NEWS
Meet Your Maker // Greg Marr -Glittering Edge
What was your journey into becoming a bladesmith ?
My journey began when I was still at secondary school. I had free periods where I was meant to be focussing on school work, but would often be reading up on historical websites. I once stumbled across a site explaining – in great detail – the numerous ways to make (chain)mayle.
This led me to seek out blacksmithing as my school work experience – however it was incredibly difficult to find something between searching the internet and trawling through the phonebook.
It wasn’t until my mother said to me “Do you know there is a sword-maker just along the road?” I hadn’t known this and after approaching Paul Macdonald, I did get very lucky to be taken on by him for the school work experience week. This invaluable time solidified the path I needed to be on was to become a swordmaker.
Several years later, Paul took me on as his apprentice. This is where I met Dan Devoy who I started Glittering Edge with a couple of years later.
I think some of the teachers at school thought I was wasting my time or never thought it would come to anything, so it’s extra satisfying to have forged out my own career path in something so niche and to have followed my passion!
There are many bladesmiths and knifemakers as well as other artisans and hobbyists from around the world and closer to home who have selflessly offered (and still give) encouragement and constructive feedback, as well as a fresh perspective. It’s these makers that have helped me raise my skills to where they are now and continue to do so.
The other thing I love is encouraging other makers or those fresh to smithing on this path and help take it in their own direction or even just for the sake of trying something new. This allows me to see on reflection where I myself started, which is both inspiring and humbling.
As well as that, the people admiring, purchasing and commissioning my work is another driving force behind my creativity.
If someone wanted to get a tester for bladesmithing, what would you advise ?
I’m not really in a position to offer demonstrations as my weekend courses have taken off in popularity – however I am operating a waiting list for 1, 2 and multiple day courses for any level.
bookings@glitteringedge is the best way to be added to my waiting list. Outwith myself, there are places like Summerhall and the Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop that may be more flexible in forge time for someone just wanting to dabble.
If you could work on a ‘dream’ project, what would that look like for you ?
There are many side projects I have the burning passion to make – however for many years now, the Second Age Elven sword from The Lord of the Rings has been on my list to own (and subsequently make) since the film was released 20 years ago. There are of course other things on my list, but that’s certainly the longest running one.
Until recently, I didn’t quite realise how many other makers there were in The Scottish Bladesmithing Community. It’s my hope that the community continues to grow and share work, tips, ideas and even work together on collaborative projects.
This building Scotland’s reputation of making high quality, artisan products with passion – moving away from machine made mass-produced items.
What is your relation with Whisky Barrel Damascus ?
One of my specialties is creating high performance damascus steel, which also incorporates steel hoops from old whisky barrels. Not only is this a great way to repurpose something that may otherwise rust away into nothing, but it also allows me to create blades – such as the already iconic Sgian Dubh and add a further culturally significant whisky twist into it. These can also be handled up with the cask wood to give it that extra bit of uniqueness.
Recently the SMWS featured me in their Unfiltered magazine https://unfiltered.smws.com/unfiltered-09-2022/one-of-a-kind
I have been with EOW for many years now- since before it was officially named! I love that there is a range of specialties within EOW and having watched it grow from a basic shared space to a thriving community business.It’s fantastic to see and one of only a handful of places like this that I am even aware of. My first workshop was nowhere near the city which made it awkward to get to and impossible to run courses. Plus, now I get to sing freely in my space and not disturb anyone (I hope!)
If someone wants a commission or one of your beautiful blades, what is the best way to go about this ?
Email is usually the best way to get the process rolling. Whether there is a vague idea in a quick sketch, images of things you like or a fully drawn out design, I can help make this a reality. I can also help or advise with refurbishments and repairs. My email is [email protected]
