The Middle Ages: We are talking about almost 1000 years of time calculation.
What is really authentic and scientifically proven here?
Was it the princes who were authentic? Was it the farmers who were authentic - or was it the beggars? From whom can we still admire objects of daily use and buildings today? Rather only from princes, nobles and rich people.
From us "footmen" only very few. Here, just what was available was used (today this is called "local offering"). The aim was to use objects of daily use as long as possible (today this is called "sustainability"). Only so much was taken from the earth and the land that everyone could make a living (today this is called "making good use of resources"). The princes were squandered, wasted, and let others work. There is much said about master smiths - but there are only a few. Most of the blacksmiths are also very good in their trade, weapon and sword making, silversmithing, goldsmithing, plating, sword sweeping, rough forging and farriery - after several years of practice.
There are and have been only a few true masters in their field. These were then mostly employed by nobles and princes and not by the footmen and farmers. They were looked after by the "normal" blacksmith. Practical things and objects were mostly made by very practical and thinking blacksmiths. They found solutions to problems quickly and easily and did not ask for authenticity. It had to last, function and be simple - and above all not cost too much.
This is the kind of blacksmith I represent. Someone who knows his craft but who also thinks simply and practically. I know a lot about hardness and the composition of steel and iron, but for a medieval smith I represent, these were unknown questions. I do know how to make and work a damascus steel, but in the Middle Ages I would certainly not have made one because there would have been no one to pay for the work.
So I forge simple things that everyone knows at the markets, such as a nail, a needle, a wall bracket or even a simple utility knife. This not only three times on
day, but from the beginning of the market until nightfall - just like a blacksmith used to work. I forge with bellows and have only water and fire at my stand.
This is what I understand by authenticity. I work at a market as a craftsman for the common people and especially for the children. Today, they cannot even dream of making objects such as nails, rings, knives without technical machines. They have many questions, and if they get such a forged object as a present, it is an unforgettable experience for them. If someone wants to give a hand and know what it is like to forge, I will gladly explain the simple steps and help visitors to make small objects. But I also have interesting things for the gentlemen and offer them for sale: axes, swords in all designs, knives and much more. Since I have learned the craft of war, I can of course explain the handling of the various weapons I have with me - including the historical background and social conditions.
All this together should make my appearance an unforgettable event for every market.