|
 |
| So
Speaks the Artist Behind Angel Sword Cont. - Part 3 Swords From Spikes During the late 1970s, in Cuernavaca, Watson more or less apprenticed under a local man who produced machetes. This artisan had actually made swords from railroad spikes for military use during the Mexican Revolution. Watson sold his early edged weapons through his martial arts school. The ready acceptance of his creations prompted him to develop his sideline into a full-time business. In 1983, he returned to the United States and opened a shop in Driftwood.
“I eventually learned etching, woodworking, carving and casting from different sources.” Watson said. “No one person knew all I needed to know.” Besides finding tutors, Watson read extensively and conducted hands-on research with swords, daggers and knives. He practiced different sword production techniques and edged-weapons fighting styles. He built a huge library. (Anybody interested in benefiting from his research should visit the company website www.angelsword.com, and go to the “Readings” section. The bibliography is huge, ranging from the 19th Century classic “The Book of the Sword,” by Victorian adventurer Richard Burton, to “The Modern Blacksmith,” by Alexander Weygers.)
Watson also relies on customer feedback. “Our customers have become a testing facility,” he said. Finally, but most importantly, Watson would argue, his creations are formulated by his complex views on art and craftsmanship. These are explored fully on the company’s second website www.swordarts.com. A third site – www.swordmagick.com - explores “the paths of magic together through the symbolism and power of the sword.” In an essay, Watson writes, “Skilled craftsmanship is necessary for art. But there is a lot of skilled craftsmanship that is not art. When I go to a museum or an art gallery, I watch myself for a certain emotional response, not just asking myself if it is beautiful or well done. But, how do I respond to it emotionally? Do I say, ‘Wow, that hits me?’ Art has to move us emotionally and, for that to happen, the artist has to put emotions into the piece. Otherwise, it’s still just craftsmanship.” Angel Sword feature in 2004 Sporting Knives |
 |
Last updated Nov. 9, 2007 | Report Problems or Issues Using Our Site |
Site Design by Strong Words |
While
the Mexican craftsman gave Watson some initial instruction, his mastery
of the sword smith’s art has taken him to many teachers.
Along
the way, Watson also collected dozens of antiques, including a Renaissance
rapier and a 10th Century Norman sword. Through intense study of the originals,
a process that sometimes includes disassembly, Watson learns about manufacturing,
balance, and the combat limits and strengths of each piece. He also draws
on his knowledge of martial arts. All this informs his creations.