To: alt.magick
From: Amanda Walker <amanda@alfar.com>
Subject: Re: Raphael with a Dagger
Date: 02 Nov 2002 11:43:13 -0500

[Y] writes:
> Have you seen this fellow's work?
> 
> http://www.atar.com/index6.html
> 
> He's a magick-type, who believes strongly in the power, both mundane
> and `spiritual', of good steel.

Er...  I'd put it a little differently.  I'd say he's a smith (in
fact, one of the most skilled smiths working in the US today, and the
finest instructor/writer on the topic of pattern welding around), who
understands the magic inherent in smithcraft.  Anyone with his degree
of skill is going to, by necessity.

It may seem like a trivial distinction, but Jim's blades are of quite
a different class than those purveyed by "magickal types" at faires,
festivals, and magickal web sites.  A doctorate in Metallography and
an incredible amount of forge time go a long way.

Aside to anyone interested in swordsmithing: buy Jim's books and video.

Amanda Walker