The video features the Stagmer brothers of Baltimore Knife and Sword, who are building a historical Chinese two-handed saber called the Dand. The project commemorates the 400-year anniversary of the manual that first described the Dand. The brothers use 19th-century techniques, including smelting iron sand to create steel, and employing a rolling mill and power hammer to shape the metal. They also incorporate traditional methods, such as folding and forging, to create a homogeneous piece of steel. The blade is designed to be 35 inches long, with a unique taper and a hardened edge insert. The fittings, including the guard, are made from a Victorian-era wagon wheel, which is rolled out to the desired thickness. The handle is carved from wood, and the metal fittings are engraved. The final assembly includes a paracord wrap, similar to those found on traditional Chinese pieces. The video showcases the brothers' attention to historical detail and their skill in using traditional techniques to create a functional and beautiful sword.
Here are the extracted facts:
1. The Stagma Brothers of Baltimore Knife and Sword are the hosts of the show "Man-at-Arms Reforged".
2. The year 2016 marks the 400-year anniversary of the Dand manual.
3. The Dand is the longest of the Chinese two-handed sabers.
4. The Dand has its roots in a tradition dating back to Chinu Hang Du, the unifying emperor of China.
5. The Dand was recorded in a manual called "The Da Fen" by CH Zong Yo in 1616.
6. "The Da Fen" was the first manual of its kind to incorporate illustrations and straightforward written techniques.
7. The Stagma Brothers used a large Rolling Mill provided by Smith and Forge to forge the Dand.
8. The Rolling Mill was originally used to make horseshoes at Victory Racing Plate for 80 years.
9. The Stagma Brothers also used a Bradley power hammer provided by Smith and Forge.
10. The Dand is made from steel smelted from iron sand.
11. The iron sand is reduced and separated from slag using a charcoal furnace.
12. The steel is then forged and folded to remove impurities and create a homogeneous piece.
13. The Dand's blade is 35 inches long, measured from the shoulder to the tip.
14. The Dand's cross-section was measured every 5 cm along the blade to determine its taper.
15. The Dand's fittings, including the guard, are made from a Victorian-era wagon wheel.
16. The wagon wheel is heated and rolled to reduce its thickness and create the desired shape.
17. The guard is cut out from the rolled metal and filed to smooth its edges.
18. A silver dragon is inlaid into the guard using a jeweler's saw and a duvetail technique.
19. The handle is carved from wood and wrapped with paracord.
20. The metal fittings are engraved with intricate designs.
21. The final assembly of the Dand includes adding the handle and paracord wrap.