So Speaks the Artist Behind Angel Sword
From 2004 Sporting Knives - Reprinted courtesy of Krause Publications

Cont. - Part 2

Watson describes Angel Sword as a custom shop with individual laborers working in a collaborative effort. This arrangement allows the company to produce a significant and varied volume of high quality edged tools and weapons. Annual output typically amounts to 400 swords and 600 knives or daggers, and these are all custom pieces! An Angel Sword or knife often parades exotic woods, custom alloys and gemstones. They also cover a huge gamut of blade styles: rapiers, sabers, katanas, Jians, long swords, short swords, falchions, scimitars and many others.

While the styles may range, Watson stresses that the company does not make replicas. Instead, each piece is a custom creation that may be informed by various traditions, but is ultimately unique. Every piece must also meet ancient standards of combat reliability.

“Our approach is to find the heart and functionality of real, battle-worthy weapons. Then, we make them into works of art,” Watson said years ago in a newspaper interview. But, the philosophy stills holds true.

Demand for these goods is steady. And, that helps explain why his shop operates six days a week to meet the demand of a clientele that stretches across the United States. Angel Sword employs eight people working under Watson’s watchful eye.

“The employees perform many tasks – grinding, polishing, assembling, and paying attention to fit and finish,” said Tom Gerrow, marketing director for Angel Sword. “But Daniel is around all the time. He does the forging. He provides the artistic dimension. He gives the final okay. Very little happens here without his guidance.”

Watson’s attention to detail has been evident since his first sword came to fruition in 1979, while living and teaching martial arts in Cuernavaca, Morelos in Mexico. He also worked as an artist, selling watercolors in Mexico City galleries.

Continued...

Angel Sword feature in 2004 Sporting Knives
[ Part 1 ] [ Part 2 ] [ Part 3 ] [ Part 4 ] [ Part 5 ]

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