How Swords Are Made At The Last Workshops In Toledo, Spain | Still Standing

Artisans in Toledo, Spain, have been famous for their fine steel swords since the 5th century BC. But mass-production and lack of demand as weapons are threatening the hand-forged sword industry. We visited the city's last few workshops keeping the traditional craft alive.

In a previous version of this video, the date Hannibal crossed the Alps is mispronounced as it should be 218 BC, not 2018 BC. We regret the error.

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How Swords Are Made At The Last Workshops In Toledo, Spain | Still Standing

[amarbaha]

As an ex fencer it is wonderful to see the craftsmanship going into these swords. These men should be designated living treasures for their skill and knowledge, as they are in Japan. The balance and flexibility of a saber are so important, while maintaining the tensile strength. A dying art indeed.

[briangarrow]

Sword making has experienced a renaissance in other locations lately due to the popularity of fantasy films, books and Renfair fans. The particular problems these shops have experienced are sad, and I hope the tourists come back.

[houghwhite]

If I had money, I'd love to have a piece of sword

[gamestopmillionaire]

This man slaved for a year to complete this sword. When it was finished the six fingered man returned and demanded it, but at one tenth the promised price

[sIitted]

Be careful, you need to be level 500 to wield their swords.

[marinac.ll.]

The government should fund these types of businesses to keep them running. Their contribution to the culture is almost like the one of a museum, and all this knowledge should not be lost!

[bluemethodify]

Toledo was very vibrant when I visted via train from Madrid back 2012. On Rick Steves guide book advice I visited Mariano’s shop/forge. I got to meet him and see him at work, always a special experience to meet the artist you are purchasing from. I purchased a few of his daggers, works of art with a perfectly balanced tang. But what Mariano told me, that apparently the other stores selling Chinese knock-offs didn’t tell their customers, was that the security guards at the train station won’t let you take the blades on the high-speed Avant train back to Madrid. Mariano told me that all blades have to be shipped from the shop you buy them in Toledo to where ever you live, plus you have to pay import fees, etc, it was pricey and took several weeks to get them. Of course most tourists didn’t know that, meaning once security told them that they couldn’t get on the train with the swords they had decide whether or not to walk back into town to see if they could mail their purchases, but if you are trying to get back on the last train of the day…..well, lets just saw that I saw a lot of dismayed and angry people who had to basically give away their imported swords.

[antojackson]

I remember seeing this a couple of days before

[Davidman]

They may not make any more swords but everybody needs a kitchen knife. Toledo is famous for its quality steel. They make lots of sharp stuff there.

[prabhugautham]

Hope Spanish govt could do something to ensure these sword makers livelihood is not lost.

[bypyros]

I live in Toledo and practice HEMA and the first man is one of the guys who makes swords for us. The old man doesn't, that's just a lie. His swords are just for decoration and the tourists, they aren't for real combat.

[mrsDeborah]

I don't know who needs to here this but stop saving all your money, Invest some of it if you really want financial freedom...

[spencerandmainzwithcoffee]

I've actually been wanting a real sword (not for decoration). Then this video shows up.

[stephanieyee]

Toledo is a beautiful city with such a long history. I hope these last sword smith's are able to continue their craft and the government helps them.

[davidnavratil]

These swords have +5 damage against Moors.

[TheButterflySoulfire]

Mr. Romero should start selling his swords online.

[lancemillward]

Very sad these skills are dying out. In Japan they have a system of "living treaures" that supports craftspeople to pass on and keep alive their skills.

[ieatcaribou]

As a bladesmith I've made my share of swords, usually from 5160. I'm impressed with this video, there wasn't any fluff or bs put into it. This gentleman is the genuine article.

[Yosser]

Are these the swords mentioned in the movie Highlander? I think the Spanish character carried one, a Toledo Salamanca I think.

[gibreys]

For a split second I read Toledo and thought "WE MAKE SWORDS!?" Then I quickly realised it read Toledo, Spain and not Toledo, Ohio. Reality is often disappointing.