Bladecraft

Bladecraft is the craft and discipline of making edged blades, including knives, swords, and razors. It combines metalworking, heat treatment, sharpening, and fitting of components such as handles, guards, and pommels to create functional or decorative blades. Methods vary but commonly include forging or stock removal, heat treatment (hardening and tempering), edge beveling, grinding, polish, and assembly.

Historically, bladecraft developed independently in many cultures. Iron and steel blades appear in ancient civilizations; notable traditions include Japanese swordsmithing (katana), European arms production (longswords, sabers), Middle Eastern Damascus and pattern-welded blades, and Chinese swords (jian, dao).

Techniques include forging, fullering or tapered blades, differential hardening to create a harder edge, pattern-welding for strength and aesthetics, and heat treating to control hardness. Finishing steps involve bevel grinding, sharpening, and polishing; assembly of tang, grip, guard, and pommel; and sometimes decoration such as filework or engraving.

Modern bladecraft spans artisanal craft, reproductions for historical study, and high-performance knives using modern steels (stainless, tool steels, powder metallurgy) and synthetic handles. It can be practiced by hobbyists with appropriate safety training and legal compliance. Collectors value craftsmanship, blade geometry, and provenance.

See also: smithing, metallurgy, historical arms.