Survive the Jive Podcast How Were The First Metal Weapons Made?
Jun 16, 2025
Neil Burridge, a master swordsmith renowned for his historical replica bronze weapons, shares captivating insights from his workshop. He discusses the evolution of weaponry from daggers to swords and the technical shifts in sword design. Neil elaborates on the trade routes influencing British metalwork, the chemistry of bronze alloys, and the balance between functional and ceremonial uses of blades. He also reveals the intricate details of the Huntshaw dagger replica and reflects on the spiritual meanings tied to metal objects in ancient cultures.
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Humble Start Turning Into Mastery
- Neil Burridge began bronze work as a hobby and learned by experimenting because there were no teachers or internet resources in 1993.
- He taught himself through trial and error and encouragement from Peter Reynolds until it became his life's work.
Similar Progression Across Regions
- Bronze weapon forms across Europe follow similar developmental steps from knives to swords, despite regional timing differences.
- Technological advances often spread when people move with the technology, causing local leapfrogging of methods.
Handles Drove Sword Evolution
- Handle design and casting direction mark major shifts in sword technology, not blade shape alone.
- Casting through the hilt instead of the tip produced stronger swords and enabled new hilted types like Yarm/Wirral styles.