Sword-hilted Broken-back Seax

Step 2 Forging the blade

When I begin forging a major piece I write a invocation, on the floor of the shop.
The invocation for this piece is writen in the modified Aglo-Saxon Futhark and reads:
Forged in the cunning fire, honor and duty to inspire.  
If you have any questions about this please visit the philosophy page on my website:
www.seekyee.com/Bladesmithing/philosophy/philosophy.htm

Comments

[gloryhound100]

I just ran through a translation with some of the runic alphabets that I have at my disposal, and I found a few things I wanted to ask about and also point out. First where is your alphabet source so that I can compare to the books and other documents that I use.
Second you spelled cunning like "cuning" in this invocation. Also the "D" in forged seems to be swapped with a "M" just thought you would want to know for future works.
Third where did you find your "C" rune for this since I am having trouble finding that specific letter. Yours appears to be a Anglo-Frisian "Ch" counterpart Khen
And finally if you have been using Aglo-Saxon Futhark then shouldn't your "O" runes be Odal instead of the Os runes from the Anglo-Frisian alphabet?

All that aside I really love and am inspired by your work but since I am also studying runes and there ceremonial applications I wanted to get your input and also share mine. 

[ben potter]

I used a modified Anglo-Saxon Futhark, I can't remember exactly which version it is.  Thanks for the input.

[MMDCCXLIII]

Their also coincidentally or not, a form of runes from J.R.R. Tolkien's world, you can find them easily in The Hobbit

[ben potter]

Thanks for the comment. I am by no means a runemaster, I use runes as a craftsman of the time might use them simply  as a way of writing. The futhark i use for the invocations is a mix of acouple of different ones(eldar, anglo-saxon, and another that the name escapes me at the moment.) For pieces with engraving I will use one or the other of the historical futharks. I need to clarify that I an a Christian and do not use runes to gain any form of power but only as a means to write down the prayer for the piece I am forging. That said I also do not disbelieve that those skilled with runes could use them in that way only that I serve One who is more powerful.

[dwisniewski2]

No worries - it appears that MMDCXLIII may be slightly more experienced in runes than you, but hasn't managed to ponder out the difference between "they're" and "their." Also? Nice job on the weapon. You know, guys...the thing that this instructible was supposed to be about...? Yeah, that thing. It's awesome.
You mention that you put these runes down on the floor of your forge? Could you give us some idea of scale? Do you place your equipment in the center of the runes to do your work, or...?

[ben potter]

The invocation fills the area between the forge and the anvil and is slowly worn away during the forging process. They are usually about 3ft in diameter.