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[Rick]

Originally Posted by Tim Simmons

One could argue that as we no longer, as a whole carry knives and swords for everyday use and yet there is still a desire to make and own them, renders them as art objects. However they would still belong to the realm of decorative arts much in the same way a small bronze sculpture or silver candle stick in a museum or a palace would be, no matter how beautifully designed and finished. I to prefer the art of, rather than the craftsmanship, but there is another barrier, I think some craft is art even though unlike ART more than one is made. I forgot to mention that I am talking about contemporary work. Tim

Here's my take on it Tim , all art is decorative . Whether you hang a painting on a wall or carry a $5,000.00 gem encrusted damascus folder .

I personally have trouble seperating art from craft . I have a contemporary Windsor Bow Back chair at home that was made entirely by hand without the use of power tools ; the lines and construction are flawless . I consider it functional art .

Was Stradivarius a craftsman or an artist ? I maintain that he was an artist .

I have a friend who is a Luthier himself ; he brought a newly made violin to show me ; he played it and tears welled up in my eyes upon hearing its beautiful voice . The man is a craftsman yes , but he is also an artist .

Now in my opinion swords are visceral things ; some beautifully crafted and works of art in themselves and worthy of being on display as functional pieces of art . In the end though the sword is made for one thing , violence ; regarding Antonio's reference to an ashtray being able to kill someone , indeed yes but that is not its primary function .

I see many swords as functional art ; the question is can the rest of society view them the same way ?

[BSMStar]

It seems that we are reaching into a very personal area... as to experience and choice of paths and where you are on the path (so to speak).

Awareness. Knowledge. Wisdom. Enlightenment.

Hand someone a rare meteorite and ask them what they think about it.....

You will get answers from, its just a rock... to bright eyed wonderment at holding a great mystery of the universe. There is no surprise to get similar responses with edged weapons. In fact, I would be surprised if there wasn't some level of revulsion, as stated before... look at its intended use.

Personally, I collect for the Art, beauty and the enjoyment it brings... and keeping a healthy respect for the intended use. Rightly or wrongly, they have carried mankind though history and in a sense, have molded us into what we are today. I can not think of anyone (that I know) that does not have or use edged steel in their everyday life. It truly is apart of us. Therefore it is no surprise, as with everything that man decorates himself, that it has become art.

Best Regards