Path: utzoo!attcan!uunet!cs.utexas.edu!tut.cis.ohio-state.edu!att!cbnews!military
From: mark@mouse.UUCP (Mark Wickersham)
Newsgroups: sci.military
Subject: Re: swords
Summary: Hand made in Toledo, Spain
Message-ID: <1990Jun4.184604.28382@cbnews.att.com>
Date: 4 Jun 90 18:46:04 GMT
References: <16004@cbnews.ATT.COM> <16060@cbnews.ATT.COM>
Sender: military@cbnews.att.com (William B. Thacker)
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Organization: University of Kansas Society for Fantasy and Science Fiction
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From: mark@mouse.UUCP (Mark Wickersham)

In article <16060@cbnews.ATT.COM>, mlfisher@ohstpy.mps.ohio-state.edu writes:
> 
> 
> From: mlfisher@ohstpy.mps.ohio-state.edu
> > [mod.note:  At least one modern swordmaker I know (and there are several)
> > uses D-2 tool steel.  It's very tough and hard, so retains an edge and
> > resists chipping, and is also corrosion resistant.  Anyone know what
> > the US Navy officers' swords are made of ?  - Bill ]
> 
> Mine's made from Toledo Steel, as in Spain.  At least thats what it says on the
> blade.
> 
> Mike

The spanish master smith Bermejo (sp?) in the ancient fortress city
of Toledo proudly displays US, Spanish, German(!!!!), French(!!!!) and
other military and ceremonial contracts in his shop.  When last I was
there he had some 20 aprentices and 10 journeymen.  He appears to be
in his 70's, but quite hale.  My rapier, as all his weapons, is fully
tempered, and may be bent into a half circle with no trouble.  I have
taken a 5 ft great sword of his, placed the point into the ground, bent
it back with my foot (like stringing a bow), and had the blade bounce me
into the air like I was on a pogo stick!  I saw a number of apprentices
working on final fit and finish on US navy and marine sabers.

Toledo is truly a mecca for fencers and arms and armour fanciers.