Author: Eric McHugh

The last three months have been a whirlwind of activity.  First, I had an epic trip to New York with renown swordmakers: Peter Johnsson and Kevin Cashen.  We documented 9 swords in the MET as well as a number of swords in the private collection of Dr. Lee Jones.  You will see a few pieces influenced by these swords in the future.  The trip culminated with our attendance at the Ashokan Sword Seminar.  I will write an article highlighting this trip with a copious amount of pictures.

As soon as I returned, I started work on building new heat-treat equipment for Albion Swords in Wisconsin.  Albion has been growing, and there is a need to expand production. Many patient customers will testify to the waiting period for their new swords.  I have been diligently working to increase the heat-treating capabilities of Albion.  All of this work will translate into more production.  My work focused on another larger high temperature rig and a new larger tempering bath which will feature one of Omega Controls new digital controllers.  Finally, we are setting up a new larger heat-treat area that will help to increase the number of swords that can go through heat-treat at one time.

Here is a picture of the new high-temp rig when it was being charged and commissioned. Once everything is installed, the new rig
will be fully insulated and covered in lagging.

In addition to the fabrication work I am doing, I will be starting a new role at Albion Swords: VP of Research and Development.  I will be working with Peter Johnsson to develop new designs and refine and standardize production procedures.  Albion will have 7 new sword designs that will coming out in addition to the other proposed swords.  2017 will be a big year for Albion which will include a few “surprises” that I’m sure collectors will love!

My role at Albion will be a part-time, so you can still look forward to a number of custom pieces coming out soon and throughout 2017.  I also have quite a few commissions to complete but there is still room for a few more.  If you are interested in commission a pieces, contact me at eric@crownforge.net.

Because of the shipping cost to Sweden, I had to ship this large Danish axe in two separate packages.  I finished the haft all the way to the point where the wedge had to be inserted and made some detailed instructions for the final assembly.

It turned out great, and he graciously sent me some stellar pictures of the completed axe. Special thanks to Joakim Lundqvist for the commission and the pictures.