We May Have Taken On Too Much for Blade Show 2026

Bladeshow 2026 Vlog - Use our code THATWORKS and this link https://reurl.cc/9bM2Nd For GentleBands Rings. Follow Matt Stagmer and Ilya Alekseyev as they race against the clock to create some of the most ambitious custom swords, daggers, and forged works ever brought to the show.

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For months, the shop has been consumed with forging, carving, engraving, polishing, inlaying, and countless late nights as both makers prepare their finest pieces for Blade Show 2026. This behind-the-scenes documentary follows the entire process—from raw steel and Damascus billets to finished heirloom-quality weapons and the excitement of the show itself.

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Matt's centerpiece project is an extraordinary Damascus flamboyant sword featuring a wildly sculpted serpentine blade with dramatic serrations and a completely hand-carved Damascus hilt inspired by interconnected chain links. This sword serves as a prototype for a future museum-quality historical reproduction based on an extraordinary rapier of similar design. The project pushes the limits of Damascus steel carving, sword design, and modern bladesmithing craftsmanship.

Matt's second major project is an elegant high-layer Damascus hunting sword. The blade features an exceptionally bright ladder pattern with remarkable chatoyance, creating a shimmering effect that changes with the light. The sword's most impressive feature may be its integrated Damascus clamshell guard, forged and sculpted from a single piece before being meticulously carved and finished.

Meanwhile, master engraver and sword maker Ilya Alekseyev creates two stunning daggers destined for Blade Show. His primary piece is an elaborate multibar mosaic Damascus dagger featuring extensive gold inlay, precious metal overlays, deep sculptural carving, pierced blade elements, gemstone settings, and finely crafted silver fittings. The dagger represents hundreds of hours of engraving and decorative metalwork and showcases techniques rarely seen in modern bladesmithing.

Ilya's second piece is an elegant hunting dagger adorned with gold and silver inlays, engraved floral motifs, sculpted details, and refined decorative elements that demonstrate the highest levels of traditional ornamental metalwork.

As if that wasn't enough, Ilya is simultaneously producing thirty custom bladesmithing hammers while Matt attempts to complete a production run of forged kukri knives before the deadline. Throughout the video, a running joke develops around one question: Will Matt actually finish the kukris before Blade Show?

The adventure culminates at Blade Show 2026 itself, where collectors, makers, and enthusiasts from around the world gather to celebrate the art of bladesmithing. Experience the atmosphere of the show floor, see some of the finest custom knives and swords in the world, and join us for coverage of the prestigious awards ceremony.

Congratulations to Jean-Louis Régal, who earned the coveted Best in Show award at Blade Show 2026 with a truly exceptional work of craftsmanship.

Whether you're interested in sword making, Damascus steel, hand engraving, gold inlay, historical weapons, blacksmithing, custom knives, heirloom arms, metalworking, or simply enjoy watching talented craftsmen create extraordinary objects, this vlog offers an inside look at the dedication, artistry, and determination required to bring world-class pieces to Blade Show.

Subscribe for more videos featuring sword making, bladesmithing, engraving, blacksmithing, historical weapons, Damascus steel projects, custom knives, and behind-the-scenes shop documentaries.

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Thanks to our shop sponsors:
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Evenheat Kilns - https://www.evenheat-kiln.com/
Palmgren Tools - https://palmgren.com/

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Videos Shot, Produced and edited by - Matt Stagmer
Co-producer / Artist - Ilya Alekseyev
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Helpful purchase links for creators and craftsmen
https://www.amazon.com/shop/matt_at_arms/list/VJTLXKZ2ZWJA?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_56JJ59YVYPB8B1HX7KMJ_1
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Music by - Epidemic Sound

Help support the channel and us as artists by becoming a patreon.

Ilya's Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/slavicsmtih
Matt's Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/mattstagmer
Matt's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mattstagmer
Ilya's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/slavicsmith

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