Episode Outline
Katie McCats’ Background and Introduction
- Guy Windsor introduces Katie McCats, a Sword Maker and co-founder of Crucible Armoury in Sheffield, England.
- Katie explains the heritage of her workshop, an old crucible steel foundry, and the unique steels associated with Sheffield.
- Guy Windsor compares Sheffield’s steel industry to Toledo in Spain and Solingen in Germany.
Transition from NHS to Sword Making
- Katie shares her background, having worked in the NHS for nearly 10 years as a nursing assistant and paramedic.
- She describes her transition from the NHS to sword making due to a need for a change and her interest in the field.
- Guy Windsor and Katie discuss the practical skills gained from working in the NHS, such as first aid and dealing with minor injuries.
- Katie explains her initial interest in historical martial arts (HEMA) and how it led her to sword making.
Apprenticeship and Business Partnership
- Katie details her apprenticeship at Lancaster Armoury, starting with weekend help and progressing to full-time work.
- She met her business partner, Horatio, during her apprenticeship, and they both completed their training at Lancaster Armoury.
- Matt, the boss of Lancaster Armoury, encouraged Katie and Horatio to start their own workshop.
- Katie and Horatio split their business 50/50, focusing on armour and swords, with Katie specializing in swords and weapons.
Challenges and Success in Business
- Katie discusses the initial terror and challenges of starting their own business, including finding a facility and paying rent.
- She explains the importance of setting prices appropriately to cover costs and make a profit.
- Guy Windsor shares his experience with business skills and the importance of pricing to maintain financial stability.
- Katie and Guy discuss the impact of waiting lists on pricing and the need to balance demand and supply.
Technical and Artistic Aspects of Sword Making
- Katie describes the technical challenges of making swords, including the complexity of certain grind patterns.
- She shares her passion for creating unique and intricate sword designs, such as the reverse flamberge and cinquedea.
- Guy Windsor and Katie discuss the artistic and technical aspects of sword making, including the use of angle grinders and belt grinders.
- Katie expresses her desire to learn and master more complex techniques, such as the inlay work on the Wallace Collection dagger.
Future Goals and Business Expansion
- Katie outlines her future goals, including making more complex weapons like early finger ring swords.
- She discusses the potential for expanding their business, including the idea of opening a pub with a workshop.
- Guy Windsor supports the idea, suggesting it could be a unique and profitable venture.
- Katie and Guy brainstorm ways to attract customers and create a supportive community around their business.
Historical Accuracy and Craftsmanship
- Katie emphasizes the importance of historical accuracy in their work, drawing inspiration from medieval and Renaissance artifacts.
- She discusses the challenges of replicating historical techniques and the satisfaction of achieving historical accuracy.
- Guy Windsor and Katie talk about the impact of modern tools and techniques on traditional craftsmanship.
- Katie shares her admiration for historical craftsmen and their dedication to their work.
Education and Training in Historical Crafts
- Katie highlights the need for more education and training in historical crafts, including apprenticeships and workshops.
- She suggests the creation of a bursary fund to support craftsmen in taking on apprentices and sharing their skills.
- Guy Windsor shares his experience with apprenticeships and the challenges of finding the right opportunities.
- Katie and Guy discuss the potential for government support and funding to promote historical crafts.
Life Advice and Personal Reflections
- Katie offers life advice, emphasizing the importance of following one’s passion and exploring different interests.
- She reflects on her own journey from the NHS to sword making and the freedom to pursue her dreams.
- Guy Windsor and Katie discuss the importance of finding a job that is fulfilling and impresses children.
- Katie concludes with a message of encouragement to pursue one’s passions and take risks in life.
