Bladesmith Tristan Dare is well-known for the unique and inventive knife designs he creates using a variety of materials. Not only are the materials unique, but they also date back quite some time. The Idaho-based bladesmith Dare frequently incorporates meteorites into the design of his knives, so imbuing something that is billions of years old with contemporary significance. In his most recent creation, he has fashioned a sword out of a meteorite that is 4.5 billion years old and Damascus steel. He calls the blade “Fire in the Sky.”
The fact that Dare has such a strong passion for the past is what initially drove him to search for meteorites that he could employ in the creation of his swords. He devotes a considerable amount of his time to the search for meteorites, which he then uses to make purchases in order to acquire more material for his creations. In the case of Fire in the Sky, the meteorite in question originated in Germany and was brought into the country.
Dare told My Modern Met that one of the things that has always attracted her is changing something that might not be appreciated in its natural state into something else entirely. “History and relics” is another area of interest for Dare. “I wanted to make something that can be appreciated in a variety of different ways by people of many different generations in the years to come. This is where I stepped in and started hunting for meteorites that were damaged or no longer of museum grade, and I started using them to forge blades that can not only be passed down from generation to generation, but also preserve the relics in a way that does them credit.
The breathtaking designs that are etched onto the blade of Fire in the Sky are the piece de resistance. A significant turning point for Dare was the discovery of this pattern. “My favourite part of the bladesmithing process,” he says, “is when the blade is finally almost done, it’s been forged, polished, and the only thing left to do is unveil the Damascus pattern.” “My favourite part of the bladesmithing process”
It is at this point that I submerge it in an acid that oxidises the steel and reveals the pattern that is contained within the meteorite as well as the hundreds of layers of Damascus steel. Seeing the culmination of all of your hard work is one of the most rewarding experiences possible, as it releases dopamine and gives you a sense of excitement. It can’t be compared to anything else.”
Dare is a self-taught individual who is always looking for new ways to challenge himself and better his talents. On his website, Dare offers his blade for sale and also accepts custom orders if you would want to own a piece of his work.
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