Bronze
Sword Casting
4 - 5 August
2012
Following last year's really
popular course on Bronze age axes, Neil will return in 2012 to run one
on rapier making.
The bronze age rapier was the first true sword,
representing a new level of technical sophistication in bronze working
- a new item of prestige for the warrior elite in the middle bronze
age. There was previously some doubt as to whether they were
true weapons because of their small size. But recent archaeological
experiments have proven them to be lethal and effective tools of
combat.
This course will explore the manufacture and
development of bronze age rapiers from around 1500 BC in Britain. Each
student will work on his own blade and participate in experimental
casting of rapiers using bronze age technologies of stone moulds
and a charcoal furnace.
The course will cover casting, cleaning and forging
of blade edges. It will finish with a look at handle designs and
fitting.
TUTOR : NEIL BURRIDGE has been a longstanding tutor of Bronze Age
technologies, appearing in several documentary programmes.
more details can be seen on his website
www.bronze-age-craft.com His
courses are very hands on and accessible to those with no
previous
metalworking experience.
All
tools and safety
equipment will be provided.
Teaching times 10am Saturday - 4pm Sunday
Cost of course: £130 (includes all materials and
lunches) It is possible to stay on the farm or camp. Please see
Accommodation for
details.
Booking Form
Bronze axes made on last years course at Old Chapel |
