Episode 219: Forging Swords in the Steel City, with Katie McCats

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In this episode of The Sword Guy Podcast, Guy is with Katie McCats, who is a Sword Maker, historical cutler and co-founder of Crucible Armoury in Sheffield, England, possibly England's youngest armoury company.

Katie got into making swords through a traineeship at Lancaster Armoury, after leaving a career in the NHS, and along with fellow trainee Horatio, they set up Crucible Armoury in Sheffield, with Katie doing the blades and Horatio doing the armour.

We talk about making different types of crazy swords, running a profitable business, how blades were made before power tools, and the dream business of creating an armoury within a pub (or a pub within an armoury).

We have lots of pictures for you to accompany this episode:

Alexandria Sword:

Longsword grip:

Cinquedea fullers:

Crazy blades:

Hanger with fullers:

Finger ring sword:

Links to Crucible Armoury here: https://linktr.ee/CrucibleArmoury

Episode Outline

Katie McCats' Background and Introduction

• Guy Windsor introduces Katie McCats, a Sword Maker and co-founder of Crucible Armoury in Sheffield, England.
• Katie explains the heritage of her workshop, an old crucible steel foundry, and the unique steels associated with Sheffield.
• Guy Windsor compares Sheffield's steel industry to Toledo in Spain and Solingen in Germany.

Transition from NHS to Sword Making

• Katie shares her background, having worked in the NHS for nearly 10 years as a nursing assistant and paramedic.
• She describes her transition from the NHS to sword making due to a need for a change and her interest in the field.
• Guy Windsor and Katie discuss the practical skills gained from working in the NHS, such as first aid and dealing with minor injuries.
• Katie explains her initial interest in historical martial arts (HEMA) and how it led her to sword making.

Apprenticeship and Business Partnership

• Katie details her apprenticeship at Lancaster Armoury, starting with weekend help and progressing to full-time work.
• She met her business partner, Horatio, during her apprenticeship, and they both completed their training at Lancaster Armoury.
• Matt, the boss of Lancaster Armoury, encouraged Katie and Horatio to start their own workshop.
• Katie and Horatio split their business 50/50, focusing on armour and swords, with Katie specializing in swords and weapons.

Challenges and Success in Business

• Katie discusses the initial terror and challenges of starting their own business, including finding a facility and paying rent.
• She explains the importance of setting prices appropriately to cover costs and make a profit.
• Guy Windsor shares his experience with business skills and the importance of pricing to maintain financial stability.
• Katie and Guy discuss the impact of waiting lists on pricing and the need to balance demand and supply.

Technical and Artistic Aspects of Sword Making

• Katie describes the technical challenges of making swords, including the complexity of certain grind patterns.
• She shares her passion for creating unique and intricate sword designs, such as the reverse flamberge and cinquedea.
• Guy Windsor and Katie discuss the artistic and technical aspects of sword making, including the use of angle grinders and belt grinders.
• Katie expresses her desire to learn and master more complex techniques, such as the inlay work on the Wallace Collection dagger.

Future Goals and Business Expansion

• Katie outlines her future goals, including making more complex weapons like early finger ring swords.
• She discusses the potential for expanding their business, including the idea of opening a pub with a workshop.
• Guy Windsor supports the idea, suggesting it could be a unique and profitable venture.
• Katie and Guy brainstorm ways to attract customers and create a supportive community around their business.

Historical Accuracy and Craftsmanship

• Katie emphasizes the importance of historical accuracy in their work, drawing inspiration from medieval and Renaissance artifacts.
• She discusses the challenges of replicating historical techniques and the satisfaction of achieving historical accuracy.
• Guy Windsor and Katie talk about the impact of modern tools and techniques on traditional craftsmanship.
• Katie shares her admiration for historical craftsmen and their dedication to their work.

Education and Training in Historical Crafts

• Katie highlights the need for more education and training in historical crafts, including apprenticeships and workshops.
• She suggests the creation of a bursary fund to support craftsmen in taking on apprentices and sharing their skills.
• Guy Windsor shares his experience with apprenticeships and the challenges of finding the right opportunities.
• Katie and Guy discuss the potential for government support and funding to promote historical crafts.

Life Advice and Personal Reflections

• Katie offers life advice, emphasizing the importance of following one's passion and exploring different interests.
• She reflects on her own journey from the NHS to sword making and the freedom to pursue her dreams.
• Guy Windsor and Katie discuss the importance of finding a job that is fulfilling and impresses children.
• Katie concludes with a message of encouragement to pursue one's passions and take risks in life.