It all begins with inspiration. The Celts called it “Awen” and described it as a ‘poetic frenzy’. It’s a gateway to the flow state that many artists and athletes crave and it’s exactly where a SongBlade must begin.

Each SongBlade is unique in its origin, and aims to tell a story through poetry, melody, and functional art. Entering the world first through lyric, then music, and finally cutting into the physical realm as an actual hand forged blade.

The writing process begins with the imagination. I try to place myself in another body from another time. I build out the world first before creating the conflicts that become the reason for the blade’s existence.

In taking this approach, I am able to create the background necessary to highlight the purpose and attributes of the SongBlade to be. This ‘origin story’ helps to inspire the design of the blade and the specific materials to be used in its construction.

The forging of such a blade is always done after the song is completed. I like to listen to it while I create the physical artifact, as it helps to unify the ideas into an experience.

My goal is to create a rustic, somewhat aged and battle-worn blade that seems to jump from the pages of some fantasy novel or legendary tale. I use forced patina techniques and selective acid etching to achieve this on the blades, and I use delicate hand-finishing to wear away at or accentuate elements of antler, leather and bone.

Oh, and they will kill…As a Forged In Fire Bladesmith, I guarantee the lethality of these as truly real and effective weapons, not just interesting wall-hangers.