How Swords Are Made At The Last Workshops In Toledo, Spain | Still Standing
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- Опубликовано: 9 фев 2025
- 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.
For information about Mariano Zamorano Sword Factory, visit: marianozamoran...
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
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.
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.
probadlo vosotros mismos.
Sad?! Nerd. There taking a break
Also historical fencing! HEMA
Chhatrapati Shivaji's sword Bhavani was made in Spain
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.
Si vas en autobús si puedes llevar espadas .
That so awesome 😎
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!
Agreed. What a wonderful craft.
No it shouldn't. We need better schools and hospitals first. Who gives a shit about swords in 2021
@@NickyG_vz I don't think keeping a few blacksmiths running for a cultural heritage program would or should compete with schools and hospitals. And keeping history alive is invaluable for many. So who gives a shit? For starters, I do. And unemployed people cost money too. You know that, don't you?
Agreed.
@@baskoller5506 start a Patreon for them mate. If the government starts giving them money more people are going to try to get into it. It doesn't work
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.
If I had money, I'd love to have a piece of sword
You can have mine for free ;-)
@@pnunezaguila sword, not pocket knife
@@andrei1637 damn you destroyed him 😳
This must be the most idiotic thread on RUclips
Probably visit japan the home of Katana, the most expensive but also the most Durable sword in the whole world
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.
Yeah I hope so too 😊
Be careful, you need to be level 500 to wield their swords.
Me: Buys it
Jose: What's wrong? You can't unsheathe that blade, can you? Look at you, stupid. "Now I'm stupid" huh?
@@aweeeeh5255 I don’t get it.
@@darthtyranus7447 watch Caleb city "RPG game logic"
If you are born here you start the game as a 450 level. It's a little trick I'm proud of xd
Underrated comment that only gamer will get.
I m spanish, but I m also glad that this video has english subtittles.
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.
It's always nice to see a sword shop like this that really sticks to tradition.
Although I am a sword buff so I may be a bit biased.
I remember seeing this a couple of days before
Same
@@sofiapellegrini7094 The Seljuks were a group of Turkish warriors from Central Asia who founded the Seljuk Sultanate in Baghdad. ... With the Seljuks, began the Ottoman Empire in Anatolia, the ottomans were a Muslim Turkish state
@@sofiapellegrini7094 right
My parents don’t like that i smoke weed on my RUclips channel :/ but it pays my bills 😂💀
This is one of the best series on RUclips...
Yeah the best
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
Inconceivable
Maybe you can't believe it but i saw this movie when i was a child long time ago, and all my generation in Spain, my country, L.O.V.E.D Iñigo. The Spaniards always are the villains in Hollywood's movies against England in that era, but Iñigo with his sense of Revenge and Justice changed that. It's obvious Wesley was the leading role in that movie but Iñigo and Fezzyk conquered our hearts forever.
On our second trip to Toledo I was referred to the shop of Vicente Moreno, where I purchased a pair of 6" & 5" Damascus chef knives made by their brother Jose (on which both knives were signed by him). His workmanship is a sight to behold! We just returned from our trip to Spain (and Turkey) and have not used either of them. The knives in itself "almost" too beautiful to be used, but am looking forward to using them as soon as my jet lag wears off (LOL). I am not a chef but a food aficionado who appreciates good cutlery. Well done, Jose!
I just love these videos,they are just so informative and bring light to all these amazing things people do. All persons they show on still standing are so talented
Why
Oh, what a beautiful art. Thank you for supporting them.
Hope Spanish govt could do something to ensure these sword makers livelihood is not lost.
Depends on its cultural significance. Seems to me it isn't valued the same way as the katana
@@coalsauce4457 Japanese Katana it's just 👌
@@prabhugautham there r katanas designated as national treasures and smiths as living treasures.
from Spain: you can die waiting if this depends on the government of Spain ... I would even tell you, they better not know about something or they will destroy it like the rest of the country ...
@@TomPI9000 ;)
Thankyou for notifying me of such a wonderful shop. I am a big fan of medieval stuff so this shop is right down my alley!
Proud to say I own a piece of Toledo steel, one of my most prized items from my singular trip to Europe, and it is a genuine blade, not a Chinese souvenir. Bought it from the man who crafted it.
That's awesome 😎😎
I'm from Toledo and I didn't know people here still make swords :0 amazing!
Si hay espadas por todos lados, de algún lado saldrán supongo. En verdad tampoco me había parado a pensar en auténticos armeros haciendo espadas para las tiendas de Toledo xdd
La cosa está en que no es lo mismo "hecha en Toledo" de forma industrial, que "Hecha en Toledo" de forma artesanal. De la primera hay miles están en todas las tiendas, de la segunda sólo queda una forja. Las primeras son piezas de máquinas como las de cualquier otro lado del mundo, con el pedigree de la fábrica está en Toledo, las hechas a mano sin embargo, son piezas de arte y legado de historia de 2500 años.
Mr. Romero should start selling his swords online.
The web page could be named Sword Art Online
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.
Interesting, how Toledo swords compare to modern swords like the Albions.
Looked that way, the swords the second artisan had piled seem like decorative wallhangers, like those "Tizonas" or "Coladas" that have ridiculous hilts but still impress tourists and people without knowledge on swords.
On the other hand that cup hilt rapier looked awesome. That smith deserves a better workshop and forge, and a number of willing apprentices to pass the torch.
That's interesting. It would be awesome to buy one from him if I ever went to Toledo. Someone should help him set up online sales.
@@panoctic Albion swords are much better, In these days in Toledo only there are swords for fencing practice and for tourists (the worst decoration swords). I'm Spanish bur this is the reality.
Hey, do you know whether he has some kind of online presence? Or at least an adress?
When I have enough, I will buy one of these works of art and history. They deserve the support.
*Thx insider for such high quality and informative video for free*
Beating and polishing metal to form ⚔️and perfecting the craft passed on through generations of blacksmiths is remarkable.
These are made the resl way! Gracias senor!
I visited the Zamorano store and I bought two daggers from them!!!
Im 99.9% sure i visited here in 2019 so grateful and amazed
Such beautiful blades
Beautiful work.
These are men of old, treasures indeed.
But also old and old fashioned. The demand can be meet if they offer their swords online. I can not go to Toledo, but sure as hell I can get one of those swords to me, if only they where sold online.
So interesting along with Japanese katana! Next up: how Arabian curved sword was made!
Curved sword?
@@houghwhite411 Brother I need an urgent answer I have a homework Are the ancestors of modern Turks Seljuk and Ottoman? And Turks are Arabs?
Brother I need an urgent answer I have a homework Are the ancestors of modern Turks Seljuk and Ottoman? And Turks are Arabs?
@@sofiapellegrini7094 probably.
@@houghwhite411 okay curved swords!
My father is one of those last swordmakers at Toledo. Lack of tourism and "globalisation" have killed a 3 generation business..
Pues ponte las pilas y sigue tú con el negocio
Chinese and israeli infiltration has destroyed the business. People must be aware that craftmanship will take a comeback in the near future, because arms industry will change because the fraudulent banking system pushed by the globalist petroleum israeli mafia will collapse in this decade
They know the smiths will be playing a key part in the coming decades, the want to get sure to control the arms industry, as always. But they will fail, this time nobody will fall in their trap of manipulation
Wow this is amazing
It is unfortunate but you gotta evolve with the times; sell online, promote your craft, give lessons for aficionados.
You do what you gotta do to progress forward.
I've actually been wanting a real sword (not for decoration). Then this video shows up.
Not for decoration
....and you received 30 likes??
@@Anne-ku3lj yeah
Cutting things with a sword is very cool
Why wouldn't someone like it?
@@Anne-ku3lj Hes at 67 likes now betch
n-not for decoration !?? 🙀
Could be for cutting mats or for HEMA, although they use blunt training swords. The decoration sword is usually flimsy and way too fancy to be a good weapon. Most fantasy swords can be considered decorations for instance because they would break apart when used on anything.
Beautiful.
Saw these being made in Drilliş Ertuğrul as well! So cool!
These swords have +5 damage against Moors.
U know From Your Face i Guess you Have some 70% Moorish Blood...
@@cannibalwindigo1506 so what?
He said a fact
@@luisdetorresnavarro6609 im Just Saying His mother Got Some Moorish Honey with a Bang so he really Shouldn't speak about Moors in a bad way :)
@@cannibalwindigo1506 lmao you'd have to respect the delusion of Arabs and north Africans. They think they still live in the middle ages.
Yup
Amazing ❤
Toledo is an amazing place, go if you can :D
Blades from Toledo have armed the armies of Spain for centuries, from the conquest of the new world, to all the wars in Europe and the Ottomans. To us, those are not only high quality blades, there is something mystical about it. Those blades carry struggle, carry blood, power, glory. The soul of our military is forged in the same forges those blades are made, and, as weird as it sounds, if you have served in the spanish army, specially as an infantrymen, you can feel it. Every officer in the army has a saber made in Toledo, its just a part of us. A big part of the soul of Spain will die if this craft fade into history.
As a HEMA practotioner i can tell you that within the sword collecting/Martial arts communuty Toledo blades tend have a reputation for being expensive, overly flashy stainless steel wallhangers. Make functional real swords that arent so flashy & that may change. I would be interested in a functional & accurate replica of a real historical piece but not a wallhanger & others tend to all say the same.
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.
The swords are amazing!
Didn't I see this video a few days ago?
I would gladly buy a sword just to support them.
wow this is brilliant
I am a proud Spaneird from Jarales NM and I wish to go to Toledo Spain 🇪🇸 and learn one of the beautiful Arts made by my people viva Espania
Not sure about first guy, but second one seems to be making wallhangers for tourists.
All I could think of during this fantastic video is, "my name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die."
Bladesmithing is something I would like to learn to do
You know what if they opened a school in that town I bet it would revitalize the industry. But they seem a bit traditional and probably wouldn't want to teach anyone not from there.
A close friend of mine is a blacksmith. And he told me that it is, in his words, "not that hard" to forge a sword. He did not mean that a beginner will craft the greatest sword ever forged, but "not hard to begin". After that, he took me to his workshop and he showed me how to forge a sword. It took a while and I bet with a bit of practice I would get better results - but blacksmithing as a hobby is quite beginner friendly.
You could start with knives, for example. That will give you a feel for the material, without you needing a massive toolkit.
@@kalamir93 I have seen a place in my province that offers lessons. Think I will go for the lessons one day
@@ABD5667 Great idea. I would argue that you have nothing to lose with that!
@@ABD5667 don’t learn how to make swords. Learn how to make railings and tools. after that make swords. Learn how to smith before making one of the easiest things in smithing.
He should be on Forged in Fire. He'd probably win it all.
My god stop with that stupid show. It doesn’t show talent or anything really. It’s reality television at the end of the day.
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.
I know right? Hannibal and the Romans....could of easily confused with Ohio
@@nnndddzzz1 Cant a guy have hope!? All we make is glass and high human trafficking rates!
It's right next door to Libby glass bro
"The steel is an ancient secret recipe, perfected over hundreds of years" pulls a wrench out of the forge...
I have a toledo sword Gladius type, my greatest and most lovely memory, I will have to try to get another one soon.
Where did you buy it?!!
Did you know: Until 2016, the “Happy Birthday” song was not for public use. Meaning, prior to 2016, the song was copyrighted and you had to pay a license to use it.
Damn I didn't know
@@ED-tk6bc Brother I need an urgent answer I have a homework Are the ancestors of modern Turks Seljuk and Ottoman? And Turks are Arabs?
Stay strong my Spanish Brothers and Sisters of Espania. This fellow Spaneird will offer my prayers up to three Almighty that blessings be showered down upon your incredible sword and Blade masterpieces. I myself an American but a proud Spanish American at that. Am hoping to be excepted as a Toledo blacksmith as an Apprentice of one of Spain's many masterpieces created leaving the World at aww and that my friend's you can take to the Bank. I know times are hard in today's World but I myself do earnestly wish to call myself a proud Spanierd that has Mastered being A Toledo SwordSmith. Viva Espania. via con Dios. I pray to be in Espania soon to learn the number 1# SwordSmith masters of the World. My word is my Bond so it's going to be an outstanding mastery from me Country of my Blood and proud Spanish family's may God the father allow me to master and Pride of learning the Great Art of Spanish steel and Blade Smithing 2nd to none. Keep the Faith Strong my Toledo SwordSmiths help is on the way God be with you Senors of the Blade.
He needs to get on History Channels Forged in Fire.
One day every sword in the world will regain it's original function...
Finally, I can watch this video
To everybody commenting about getting one online their e-shop is literally in the description..
Are these the swords mentioned in the movie Highlander? I think the Spanish character carried one, a Toledo Salamanca I think.
He should go to Foged in Fire and can definitely win the prize there
He can make spanish sword but what is the chance he can make kukri, falchion and other weapon well?
@@anggasurbakti8269 there were no kukris in this video. And he can make any shape he wants
Pretty much a sad story. Oh to be rich and be able to keep something so beautiful alive.
We r so advance today that we forget our traditional art work , our roots , our sentiments , forging any tool any weapon by hand is a art by heart n soul , sad it's a dieng art gives me tears🥺😔😔😔
It’s only dying in Spain. In the US it’s thriving as a hobby
Might order one
this saddens me on my Spanish part of who I am is going extinct 😥 news they need Toledo natives to pick up the art I will pray for the ongoing servival of Toledo blades to somhow get it alive again fenceing and swordplay should find a means to gain this art
I owe 25 swords from this maker i bought 15 during pandemic to support their business i love their swords i use them for reconstruction fights on events
That rapier came up beautiful! I'm wondering, with the rise of historical fencing, aren't the old smiths from Toledo being requested with making sparring swords? Most HEMA equipment is made by hand, especially swordhilts, so I really hope these kinds of master craftmen are being noticed.
I think so, man. I, as a HEMA fighter, really wish to buy one of these one day
This Spaneird will gladly go to Toledo Spain. To keep my peoples proud history alive.
I would love to buy one!
If I have the moolah to pay and ship it, and then apply for local sword keeping permit, I'd do it. They look amazing
Wow Amazing 😮 👏 😍
Welcome 🥰😍🤩🤩
400€ sounds like a rather decent price. I am university student now and don´t live at one place for a long time hence why I try to own very little... one day though I´d be interested in buying such a thing. I hope they´ll last that long.
It’s very affordable for an item like that.
Someone has to invent Holtzman fields for mass melee clashes to return to the battlefield.
Very sad that such an incredible art is about to get lost 😪
Such a shame that it closed down permanently :(
The things I would do for a Toledo sword
Every time she says "pure steel", a carbon atom loses its bond.
Those are cool asf ❣️
It's a Crime and a Shame that this Beautiful and Historic Tradition,and a One of a Kind Product has to Die out simply due to lack of Physical Tourism and Cheap Imitations! I wish one of their Family Members had gone to school for PR. I would build them a website and run a Marketing Campaign to Sell the Swords Online Internationally to Other Countries so Worldwide Sword Collectors and Enthusiasts would have Access and Capital to Purchase and Own these Stunning Pieces. Keeping the Tradition in the Forges, with a Modern Day Injection of Technology to Save and Secure their Future Family Bussinesses! 🙏💗⚔
We need more spanish swords to fight bigfoot and dogmen living in southeastern Wisconsin!
Go for a good hefty cutlass. Compared with a cavalry sabre, they're short and to the point.
@@yepiratesworkshop7997 The Iberian Falcata used to cleave through Roman helmets and split their shields in half.
@@edstar83 Not my kind of sword. The grip is kind of goofy and I've much more experience with a cutlass. I have an 1840 French navy cutlass that will work just fine.
Horrible news for any who didn’t know, but Mariano’s is closed, and only Moreno’s is left
Hah, I won't tell you the secret formula.
There are handheld measuring devices today that can describe exactly what the content of any steel holds.
Do you have 10k to drop on one?
Why did you take down the previous one and reuploaded this one instead?
Ive been wanting all kinds of swords including samurai
Samurai? The military nobility class that followed true nobles in feudal Japan?
No ear protectors, he'll end up deaf as a post or suffering from tinitis at some point. Great artesan skills and this kind of knowledge and skill will soon be lost unless more apprentices learn from these elder masters.
they could go online to increase their publicity. They can even make a YT channel featuring their works. if they can get into the market of making fictional weapons and also cater to history buffs. Their business will survive.
wasn't this already published a few days ago?
"i wont tell you what kind of steel we use" clearly thats a wrench being heated lol
Lol not to mention, wtf is "pure steel"?
@@MuMTcT probably some proprietary alloy that don’t want to say or a historical steel.
I wonder if they do classes or training on using swords in Spain as well?
Not really, I'm from Toledo and ee don't really know about swords but I can tell you that there are swords shops EVERYWHERE in the city
For some reason I always wanted to be a blacksmith and forge weapon and armor...
same
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One of his problems is that he makes decorative blades that depend on a tourist industry, but no practical blades for HEMA. And blades for HEMA that are competative in quality, durability, and price are badly needed for the growing sport. He'd probably make a killing making competative rapiers and perrying daggers that are of a quality that could be used in the sport.
They're not decorative they're functional swords.
@edstar83 I guess you weren't paying attention. No, they're decorative. That's their primary purpose. Sure, you can use them (I own one) but it's a suvinoir. That's it.
😣 Thank You!
wait, is this re-upload ?
I'd love to get a nice balanced rapier and dagger from there someday, hopefully the art lives on.
Are any of the shops selling "Made in China" swords there trying to pass them off as real Toledo swords?
Basado y épico