European Masterpieces

There are many swordsmiths around today, much thanks to the revived interest in historical weaponry. While many are good, only a few can aspire to match the masters of old. This brief survey is by no means complete, but I would like to present six of the foremost swordmakers in Europe today. They are listed in alphabetical order, so no-one is favoured. Enjoy!

Patrick Bárta

Templ, Patrick Bárta's firm in Brno in the Czech Republic, has been around since 1992. Bárta's skill as smith and hilt-maker is evident in the exquisite detail of his most expensive work, but his more affordable swords show the same attention to style. He uses only authentic methods and has received several awards. Capable of making swords, rapiers and Japanese katanas, he is clearly one of the most talented in the business. See more of his swords at http://templ.host.sk/

A reproduction of a Swedish Vendel sword

The hilt of a 13^th century sword

A 17^th century rapier

Another rapier

Allan Clark and Iain Bowden

Armour Class was founded in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1993 by Allan Clark and Iain Bowden. In their first year in business, they were presented with an award from the Glasgow Incorporation of Hammermen for outstanding craftsmanship and also received a presentation from The Prince of Wales. While the swords depicted here are Scottish baskethilted broadswords, they can make European swords form many other periods. The authentic looks and attention to detail is a hallmark of Armour Class. Visit their website at http://www.armourclass.co.uk/ North American residents might want to check the US representative for Armour Class, Albion Armorers, at http://www.albionarmorers.com/

Diamond hilt broadsword

Wave hilt broadsword

Simon Fearnhamm

Simon Fearnhamm of Raven Armoury, Thaxted, England, has been in the business for over ten years, and has recieved praise for his work from such notables as Ewart Oakeshott and Hank Reinhardt. With customers ranging from Royalty to Games Workshop, with private collectors all over the world, Raven Armourys' swords are appreciated in many quarters. Capable of making both authentic-looking historical swords and tasteful fantasy designs, he shows a range few others can match. His website can be found at http://www.raven-armoury.co.uk/

A quartet of medieval swords

Thieves' fantasy scimitar

Atlantean sword, inspired by the "Conan" movies

Peter Johnsson

Peter Johnsson of Uppsala, Sweden is an up-and-coming swordsmith, whose speciality is European swords from the 11^th - 17^th centuries. By studying originals in museum collections, he has developed a feel for both looks and handling. Coupled with his knowledge of sword dynamics as well as artistic skills, the resulting swords are as good as the originals. North American residents might want to check Albion Armorers http://www.albionarmorers.com/, which will carry a number of exclusive models by Peter Johnsson. More of his work can be seen here.

15th C. sword

16th C. sword

17th C. sword

Pavel Moc

The swordsmith Pavel Moc of Kolín, the Czech Republic, makes handforged swords for exacting re-enactment societies like The Company of Saynte George http://www.companie-of-st-george.ch/index_1.html These swords are more expensive than his more basic line of swords (about four times more expensive). Moc also does restorative work for museums. Pavel Moc has an ability to bring out the grace found in the clean designs of the historic originals. Visit his website at http://www.swords.cz/

Pattern-welded Viking sword

15^th century longsword

16^th century rapier

JT Pälikkö

JT Pälikkö of Helsinki, Finland, is a fifth generation smith who has been a professional since 1990. Mainly a knife-maker, he is also able to make European as well as Japanese style swords. His work shows a skillful flair for all aspects of the craft, be it pattern-welded Viking swords or 19^th century hunting swords. See more of his work at http://www.kp-art.fi/ejt.html

An Iberian falcata, c 300 BC

A Japanese katana

A 15^th century longsword