∴ Gaze into the Balefire and seize the blade within ∴

Chris Adams is an internationally renowned maker of swords and blades for the historical fencing community. His bespoke creations are all one-of-a-kind pieces, made to customers’ requirements using historical methods of manufacture.

Alicia Adams works beside Chris to bring customers’ visions to life. She handles customer communications and runs the website, as well as creating original stories and bespoke leatherwork.

Together they strive to bring the fantastical back into the world of historical fencing.

∴ We are currently taking custom orders for Summer 2024 ∴

Pricing

See how we price our bespoke swords and start planning your one-of-a-kind commission.

Portfolio

Browse our past commissions and get some ideas for your own legendary weapon.

Emporium

Pick up a Balefire original without the wait, or treat yourself to swordcare, books and leather.

Blades

Elevate your sword with a new blade, or build your own sword around a Balefire base.

∴ The Balefire Emporium ∴

The Balefire Emporium is where our limited ranges of high-quality entry-level swords are sold. These are crafted with the aim of putting beautiful fencing tools in the hands of as many historical fencers as possible, sharing the joy that fencing has brought to our own lives.

Here, too, you may find complementary items to aid you on your quest: care kits to prolong the life of your blade, Alicia’s leatherwork and items of personal protection, and limited edition books about our craft.

∴ Follow us on Social Media ∴

Sit by the Balefire a while, and see where fancy takes you…

Day three of the scrap dagger practice, managed to complete my initial objective of forging symmetrical (back and front) fullers of a size found during the renaissance. It's been interesting and there's still a lot that I need to learn to refine it but the general idea worked out. I'm going to keep at it and try and find simpler and quicker ways, I'm certain there's a trick to it. Today's scrap practice, a triangular section rondel dagger blade and a 17c trade dagger style blade. Practicing on some scraps, reckon I should make this an everyday habit. At the moment I'm mainly trying out different ways of fullering in the renaissance style, these were done with an antique handled top fuller I have but there are a bunch of other methods I want to try. Need to come up with some sort of basic handle though or the forge will fill up with random dagger blades! Been a tough week plagued by illness and exhaustion, but I've made progress nonetheless. Just bits here and there rather than bringing a specific project to term. A baskethilt grows, a flight of new-ground 17c blades ready for the quench, a custom 8mm rapier blade made to tight spec, a 10mm rapier blade mounted in veteran furniture ready for postage. The muse is with me today.

∴ Support us on Patreon ∴

Balefire Blades is a labour of love, which we have been very lucky to turn into our livelihood. We hope to spend a great many years creating bespoke artisanal weapons for our international community of historical fencers.

If you love what we do, take a look at our Patreon. For as little as £3 per month, you can join the quest, keep the Balefire burning, and access a growing library of essays, images and behind-the-scenes musings on smithing and swordlore.