An Edinburgh, Scotland, man-at-arms is looking for apprentices to help him craft some of the finest weapons in the world.
Swordsmithing is a time-honored profession that many only get a glimpse of at Renaissance Fairs or in old towns with a medieval heritage. Some only know of the ability by playing the artisan in their favorite RPGs. But now, a man-at-arms known for crafting lifelike replicas of the He-Man sword and the famed rapier of Inigo Montoya in the Princess Bride is looking for apprentices.
Macdonald Armouries makes reproductions of edged weaponry for collectors and museums, as well as theater companies. Owner Paul Macdonald is offering two lucky people the chance to learn how to craft these fine weapons, and no previous experience is needed. “A passion for history has to be there because we research and study original pieces — it’s an essential part of the job,” he said. “And a design and craft background is helpful, too.”
The shop has been around since 1998, and in that time, Macdonald said he has had only two apprentices. “At that time we had something like 150 applications,” he said. “A lot of people were very keen but of course they have to have the skills too. It is difficult to find somebody because it’s quite specialist. You need to have patience and perseverance, because a sword can take anything from a few days to a few months to craft.”
If you check out the shop’s official website, so can get a glimpse at some of the weapons Macdonald creates. And apparently, there is an academy there that teaches fencing as well.
source: Edinburgh News
Published: Feb 4, 2014 04:35 pm