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The Fire, Knives and Swords - working the hot glowing steel over the anvil - all of that has been fascinating to me ever since I can remember.
Whilst the knife as a tool, an object of daily use holds my fascination so does the sword in it’s own respect to its largely mythological heritage.
This fascination for sure also has been deep rooted with my love for the myths and legends of the old, of heros and their mighty swords. Complementary I had an early start with the martial arts where in the beginning at first the sword was just held in awe and great respect and later I as well acquired the mastery in hand to hand combat with edged weapons of all kind. The Martial Arts beside their physical aspect also offer a strong philosophical approach towards many aspects of life.
All of that influenced me to pick up the Hammer and forge Steel into blades and to experiment - well over a decade ago.
Rooting from this primarily autodidactic experience the desire emerged to become even more intimate and skilled in these matters.
Later I was given the chance to get hands on training with a master bladesmithing over an extended period of time. Parallel to this I began to go in depth with my private studies in the fields of practical metallurgy and heat treatment of tool steels - as it is my conviction that therein lies the key to uttermost quality. As even the most skillfully forged blade is not worth much but it’s aesthetics alone if it has not been properly heat treated.
Aesthetics and Function must be present at consenting level.
On my path of the anvil and hammer I came to know a good number of other Bladesmiths, Knifemakers, Machinists and some “Jacks of all Trades” who were eager to share their knowledge and often wisdom too. I will be forever in your debt, thank you friends - you know who you are!
Along the road I constantly expanded the shop and added more sophisticated equipment.
Thus enabling me to broaden my field of work not only to craft knives & swords but also to do all kind of precision machining and custom work in all areas.
The chance evolved to combine an age old craft with a 21st century one and start a full time business of it - FERRUM D. Gentile was founded.
To this very day the work at the anvil with fire and hot steel is a strongly passionate work for me - it has become an integral part of my live of my identity.
The things I craft with my own hands hold a lot of personality for me.
This age old craft still bears so many secrets waiting to be unveiled and the modern days offer amazing possibilities and challenges of their own thus also in that regard the age old saying remains true - the way is the goal.
Daniel Gentile
Zurich, March 2008 |
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About D. Gentile