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New Vs. Old

Posted: 07/07/17 (11:50am)

At the risk of putting the cat amongst the pigeons I want to talk about new versus old swords.
As you know, I have recently joined Facebook and have been looking at the numerous groups dedicated to swords and edged weapons. By far the most numerous are the groups dedicated to newly made swords. 
Not surprisingly, given the time and skill involved in forging a blade, newly forged (emphasis on "forged" as opposed to mass produced machined blades) swords cost as much (and in many cases more) than antique swords. My first thoughts are that I just don't get it. Why pay so much for something that has no history, no past, no soul and no story?
In the past, swords were made as a primary weapon and were used as such. Their story is often stamped upon them in the form of military unit and arsenal markings along with dates, inspection and repair stamps, issue numbers and maker's marks all of which can be researched, allowing the sword's story to be told.
In comparison, a newly forged sword has no history of its own, it has no real purpose, it has no past and no future other than to be a beautiful wall hanging or to be abused - as someone recently said, "I like to take mine outside and beat at the bushes."

Why then would someone choose to pay as much or more for a new sword?
Answer, because the skill and artistry of modern blade smiths is an homage to all that has been learned over thousands of years of heating, folding, hammering and shaping metal. It is ironic that when we no longer require swords for defence, we are able to make some of the most beautiful examples. But only because of all that has gone before.

I have given this a lot of thought and I totally appreciate the beauty and skill of modern sword smiths work and I am envious of their ability. On reflection, modern swords do have a history, it might not be the story of an illustrious battle blade or heroic regimental charge but they continue the story of mankind and edged weaponry and as such have a share of it. They also have a soul, they are the embodiment of the passion and dedication of the master craftsman who forged them.
As to their purpose? Well, there are classes of martial art dedicated to drawing and cutting but by and large I think that modern swords are beautiful works of art and can be collected and admired as such.

Me, I'll stick to my antique blades. They have had a long and often arduous working life and have earned their retirement as a much loved collectable and I love the research, history and romance of owning these beautiful weapons.