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This is more of a general overview of the process the smith follows to make a norse sword and scabbard. There isn't much in the way of specific detail explained. So if you don't already know the basic techniques involved, it probably won't teach you much. But I did enjoy the video. Picked up a few good tips from it. It was also helpful to watch the process of wire inlay (with a decent explaination).
I should preface this review by saying that I'm a traditional smith, and I rented this video with certain expectations about what I would learn (my bad).
This video is a one man production made by a smith who almost exclusively uses a mechanic's hydralic press and grinder to make his knives. But his forge IS rather ingenious, and I would have liked more information on its construction.
However, the information (while good) is mostly of little use to the traditional smith. The striped damascus patterns he makes are mostly - pretty basic twists of cable and other metals, wrapping nickel rod around cable and composite blades.
Overall, Mr. Osborn is a fine smith who has specialized in a method of making blades that requires much less effort than the hammer and anvil. But I felt that most of the information on the videos was of little use to traditional smiths, except for seeing the possibilities of using a press instead of a hammer and anvil.
Just so there are no surprises, this set is a more advanced video series about making the d-guard itself and fit and finish. There is no time spent on making the blade, nor much at all on the handle. But Mr. Dean fills this set with all kinds of information, tips and techniques that are useful not only on the bowie, but on most any blade. I cannot recommend this set enough! Excellent job again, Mr. Dean.
