Swords and "urbanization"

[Mark]

I think it would be more appropriate to distinguish nomadic from sedentary, rather than nomadic or pastoral and urban. As you noted noted, very non-urban cultures do produce excellent blades. Just imagine the hardware that goes along with that - hammer, anvil, pincers, etc. - as well as the need for large amounts of hot-burning fuel, and you can see why blacksmithing could be rare among nomads. Too much stuff to carry around, if nothing else.

I have never examined the question, though, so I am curious if anyone has any references for prevalence of blacksmithing among nomadic peoples.