Now, I have spoken about this before. Frankly I get pissed off at people who incorrectly use language - especially if the advertising value appears the primary reason
" The term "pattern welding" can refer to any two types of steels that are welded together, regardless of the layer count or pattern.A sword with composite twist core is simply refereed to as a "composite twist sword"
All of these terms are extremely loose because for the past thousand years people who dont make swords but only read about it misuse the terms and thus create confusion. But such is the history of silly feeble human language... :) "
That comment, by the producers of the extremely slick video offering above, does nothing to correct my impressions. 'People who make swords' here OBVIOUSLY need to do a little research. Specifically because THEY are the ones who 'misuse the terms and thus create confusion'.
I suppose I should not expect much, as smiths involved here are obviously too young to have even been born when the original 'rediscovery' of actual pattern welding techniques were painfully learned (ie, the 1960's and 70's)
What is being made here is about as simple as it gets. A low layer count, flat stack, single weld. Drawn out to a bar, no folds or additional welds, all machine forged. Not that the result does not look nice. But PATTERN WELDED it is most definately NOT .
(After Kristopher's comment below)
Increasingly, especially since the late 1990's, blacksmiths have been using what is TECHNICAL language as mere 'advertising'. I think this is an absolute plague to our profession. There are a number of reasons for this - perhaps worthy of a long commentary of itself.
Anyone truly interested in this problem should read my earlier commentary 'Defining the Artist Blacksmith'
(another addition)
I had prepared a lengthy discussion of the different technical terms that are applied to the field of 'layered steel' earlier this year (after the last time this question came up). See Layered vs Pattern Welded - Forge vs Foundry Those who really want to delve into the whole area might also search the blog using "pattern weld" or "layered steel". Either search will yield you another dozen related commentaries. ( I seem to get a serious question about this whole mess every six months or so!)
(yet another addition)
Mad Dwarf Workshop is the team behind the YouTube clip. Their website
Posts
4 comments:
I'm a little surprised. I know you've become more grumpy in the few years that I've been reading your blog, but this just seems unfair to the gents who made that sword. Sure, if you want to rant that people should be saying "layered" but are instead saying "pattern welded" I don't have a problem with that, use it as a teaching opportunity. But to stoop to ad hominem attacks (obviously too young to have even been born when the original 'rediscovery' of actual pattern welding techniques were painfully learned) should be beneath you. What you're saying is that anyone working metal who was born prior to Moran's work automatically knows better? That's a complete logical fallacy. Then there's the issue that this video was made in 2007 (when these guys were all about 18 years old) and the rant you linked to was published in May of this year. Plus the guys at MAD have been long time supporters and contributors at Don Fogg's forum and they're easy to contract via their website- so it's not like you couldn't have tried to have a civil conversation with them about the error of their ways.
As a degree holder in English as well as having a technical writing certificate, I'll be sure to blog about your spelling/grammar/usage errors- all of which are inexcusable because you've been using the language your entire life.
(trying to respond to Kristopher above)
1) Yup, there is no doubt I'm getting a LOT more 'grumpy'. (And thanks for being so polite about that...)
2) The origin of my comment is this:
I had the source video sent to me by another regular reader here. That person had asked (politely) if the description used for 'pattern welding' was not in fact used incorrectly. That worthy got slapped down pretty hard for the comment - as I quoted in my piece. That person asked me to make a comment.(Hence the delay, but frankly, such is the nature of posting materials on to the internet.)
3) It is one thing to make a mistake based on limited knowledge / experience. (We all do this from time to time.)
I do not find it acceptable to then turn around and hammer on those that point out your error. Especially as if you present yourself as holding knowledge when in fact your experience is limited. If you get caught out, at least admit to it!
5) Increasingly, especially since the late 1990's, blacksmiths have been using what is TECHNICAL language as mere 'advertising'. I think this is an absolute plague to our profession. There are a number of reasons for this, anyone truly interested in this problem should read my earlier commentary 'Defining the Artist Blacksmith' available both in print and the web:
http://www.ontarioblacksmiths.ca/files/defining.html
oh - Kristopher?
Please feel free to continue to make comment on any errors in *my* use of technical language or facts, especially to disagree with my opinions.
I am *not* a professional writer, and anyone paying attention already knows my spelling sucks. Best to take into account CANADIAN English too...
This 'comment' came in this morning. Due to the abusive nature, and the hiding behind 'Anonymous', I was just going to treat it as mere spam.
"you are so full of crap darrel! for starters you flat out define pattern welded as "The term "pattern welding" can refer to any two types of steels that are welded together, regardless of the layer count or pattern." in your second god damn sentence! What the fuck did you do to help rediscover pattern welded steel darrel? I've never heard praises sung to your name. Your work is garbage too. If you had half the talent of those kids your work wouldn't look like it was hacked out by some amature in his backyard. Go back to your pathetic cave you mean jealous old asshole. "
1) Be brave enough to include your name.
2) When something is placed in "block quotes" and is attributed to SOMEONE ELSE - it means *I* am not the author of that statement.
3) Over 30 years at the forge, a body of work clearly illustrated, decades teaching and lecturing.
And your credentials are ???
4) See above. Featured demonstrator at local, national, international level. Academic papers. Consultant on major international museum programing. Yup, I don't hang with the knife collectors (too bloody cliquey for my tastes).
5) My past work,is clearly illustrated. See : http://www.warehamforge.ca/gknive.html
I'll leave it up to the readers here to make their own judgment about the quality of my work or the knowledge presented.
But anyone can sling mud from the shadows. Be a man and present your own work and experience for us to evaluate.
Why on earth would ANYONE put any credit on an 'opinion' delivered in such a childish manner, by someone who is not even brave enough to supply their real name??
As the Anonymous Poster of the earlier blog post, I am writing to apologise for the highly negative and cruel post I left last night. Upon reflection I agree 100 percent that the post I left was childish and the very worst part was that it was so mean spirited.
As a bit of an explanation , when I first stumbled upon the blog I immediately lost my temper seeing the work of these young men get publicly criticised and over reacted leaving the earlier post.
I hope that the negative comments can be forgotten. They don't stem from any actual feelings regarding you or the quality of your work. Most of all I'm sorry for hurting the feelings of another human being.
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