Walter Sorrells is a swordsmith who forges art swords and knives designed to appeal to the collector of Japanese-influenced blades.
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Having studied a number of Japanese sword arts, Walter demands that his work not only be attractive, but durable and accurate in their details. Walter forges a wide variety of blade types, from high performance blades inspired — but not limited by — the Japanese tradition, to very traditionally made blades forged from folded tamahagane, the traditional steel used by Japanese smiths for over a thousand years.
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Ever wanted to make knives or swords? Walter continues to expand his instructional video output, this time with a video aimed at all knifemakers. The hour and twenty-five minute video — Tools for the Knifemaker — outlines all the tools you’ll need to start making knives. The good news…you can get started on this absorbing hobby for around a hundred bucks. Click on the VIDEOS tab at the top of the page for more info.
SAYA NOMI ARE BAAAAAACK!
Walter has forged a new batch of saya nomi (scabbard chisels). Two widths available: 1 cm and 2.5 cm. See how these unique tools were forged on Walter's 6/22/24 YouTube video. Check 'em out on the FOR SALE tab!
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DAMASCUS SWORD GUARDS!
Walter has recently completed a number of Damascus steel sword guards made from hand forged damascus steel. See how they were made in a YouTube mini-lesson that dropped on 2/7/25.
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LEARN TO MAKE SWORDS!
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Check out Walter's instructional videos. The series includes videos covering forging Japanese swords, blade polishing, making hamons and clay hardening, mounting blades, and making various sword fittings including habakis, fuchi/kashiras, guards, etc. Click the VIDEOS tab above.