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FAQ

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Do you make athames/pagan ritual tools?
I have been on a friendly basis with the neo-pagan community for over 30 years and have no issues with making athames or other ritual tools such as ritual swords/bolines. That being said, I will not make anything with a Satanic theme. Nor will I do anything connected with Nazis, neo or otherwise, even to the point of blade restoration, or other hate groups.

 

What types of steel do you use?

Depends on the project, but I like to use straight 10-series steel or 5160 spring steel for bigger blades (Bowies, swords, etc.) For pattern-welding I like 1080 or 1084 high carbon steel laminated with either L6 or 15N20 nickel tool steel. I do not use mild steel or pure nickel in my damascus.

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Do you use stainless?

Most stainless alloys do not forge really well, and have heat-treat requirements which are beyond my personal shop setup. So, no, not at this time.

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What is the largest blade you make?

The largest blade I can harden properly with my setup is about 36" blade length.

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Do you do custom orders and how do you price them?

Yes, I make custom orders with the proviso that I take a third deposit up front. Non- damascus (pattern-welded) blades run around $20.00 CAD per blade inch, including sheath. Things like file-work, fullers (blood grooves, so-called), and special grip materials will increase the work time and hence price. Damascus blades will run about 30 to 35 CAD per blade inch.

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Do you make copies of specific movie or television series swords?

Emphatically, no. Hollywierd keeps lawyers on retainer to look out for that sword of thing. (Sorry, I had to.) Fortunately, Hollywierd has gotten generally better at having characters use relatively accurate historical sword types, which are what I like to specialize in making, rather than have their main characters carry around stuff that looks like someone had gotten an insane foundry operator to make a casting.

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How do you accept payment?

I accept e-transfer (within Canada), postal money order or bank draft, or personal cheque. Personal cheques need 5 business days for clearing.

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© Al Massey 2018

Mount Uniacke, Nova Scotia

Designed by Danielle Robitaille

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