∴ About Us ∴
The Balefire Forge is set at the foot of the rolling South Downs in Sussex, UK.
It is home to Chris and Alicia Adams, makers and purveyors of historical and fantastical fencing swords.
∴ Chris Adams ∴
A true craftsman, Chris has slipped the bounds of the everyday and forged a world in which magical swords are manifest and life is a constant quest.
Drawing inspiration from folklore, fantasy and astute observations of historical fencing and weaponry, Chris is dedicated to sharing that world with historical fencers around the world.
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Having discovered a passion for fencing at the Sussex Sword Academy, Chris began studying the art and alchemy of swordmaking under Marco Danelli in 2013. Upon graduating from his apprenticeship, he continued to craft fine blades at Danelli Armouries until 2017.
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Chris founded Balefire Blades in 2018, and has since trained himself in the traditional crafts of hand-forging, forge welding and engraving with chisel and burin.
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Combining extensive experience as a smith and fencer with an insatiable curiosity about traditional crafts, Chris takes pride in creating fencing-ready works of art.
∴ Alicia Adams ∴
As the voice of the forge, Alicia is our customers’ first point of contact, working meticulously to translate their visions into viable fencing swords, and keeping them informed throughout production.
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She is also responsible for Balefire’s messaging and marketing, creating quality content across the website, social media, and our limited edition books.
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Alicia started studying leatherwork under Chris in 2019, and now creates handmade scabbards, sword belts and baldrics, and protective fencing gear.
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A scholar of Medieval literature, Alicia is happiest when diving into folklore, writing unique stories for Chris’s swords, and weaving his artefacts into a wider mythos.
∴The Ballad of Balefire Blades ∴
The word spread like wildfire from those who had seen
In the dark of the forest a glimmer of green:
“The beacon is lit, the Balefire now burns,
The legend yet lives, the swordsmith returns.”
Well we know tales of those days half-remembered,
Of destinies glimpsed in the glimmering embers,
And weapons awaiting the ones that might wield them
And mantras soft-murmured to strengthen and shield them;
A smith working wonders by cover of dark,
The chime of the hammer, the sputter and spark,
Then breath-steaming stillness as shadows give way
To ash-scattered empty at dawning of day.
Half-hoping, half-fearing that what we might see
Might rewrite our memories as mere fantasy
We draw our cloaks about us tight
And wordlessly wander the gathering night
To answer the beacon that can’t be ignored
And dance by the light of the Balefire forge.
Inspired to start your Balefire journey? Contact us to discuss your vision.