Custom Historical Weaponry & Armor Replication Service
Product/Service Opportunity: Custom Historical Replica Manufacturing
Specific Product/Service Suggestion: A specialized artisan workshop or service that focuses on creating custom historical (especially medieval) non-firearm weaponry and potentially armor. This would be perfect for people looking for:
- Replicas of discontinued items (like the polearm mentioned).
- Custom designs based on historical examples, images, or specific customer needs.
- High-quality, functional or display-grade pieces for collectors, reenactors, historical martial arts practitioners, or enthusiasts.
Key Features of the Service:
- Consultation to understand design specifics, desired historical accuracy, and intended use (display, reenactment, practice).
- Expertise in historical forging, metalworking, and finishing techniques relevant to the period.
- Ability to work from images, museum references, or customer-provided specifications.
- Material sourcing (e.g., specific types of steel, wood for hafts, leather for grips).
- Clear communication on timelines and pricing, acknowledging the skilled labor involved.
Expected Benefits/Value Proposition:
- For Customers: Access to otherwise unobtainable items, a high degree of customization, historically accurate (or inspired) craftsmanship, and unique, durable products.
- For the Business:
- Niche Market: Targets a passionate and dedicated customer base willing to pay a premium for specialized, handcrafted goods.
- High Perceived Value: Custom, handcrafted items command higher prices than mass-produced goods.
- Skill Monetization: Leverages specialized blacksmithing, metalworking, and historical knowledge.
- Potential for Reputation Building: High-quality work can lead to strong word-of-mouth referrals within enthusiast communities.
- Scalability (Modest): While individual commissions are time-intensive, a workshop could employ multiple artisans or offer tiered products (e.g., "battle-ready" vs. "display-grade").
Anticipated Revenue Streams:
- Direct sales of custom-commissioned pieces.
- Potentially, pre-designed, limited-run signature pieces based on popular historical items.
- Repair or restoration services for existing historical replicas.
Potential Challenges:
- High skill requirement and potentially long lead times.
- Managing customer expectations regarding cost and production time.
- Sourcing appropriate materials.
- Marketing to a niche audience.
This opportunity caters to a clear demand for bespoke, high-skill craftsmanship in a niche market where mass-produced alternatives are either unavailable or do not meet the specific desires of the customer.
Origin Reddit Post
r/blacksmith
Anyone do custom jobs?
Posted by u/RemarkableDisplay988•05/28/2025
Wanted this medieval polearm, but it has been discontinued by the manufacturer. Can anyone here make it?
Top Comments
u/Hotseat_Hero
I once had a guy ask Clouds buster sword from FFVII. Their budget was around 250. They were so confused when I said that wouldn't even cover material cost.
u/grunclematt
I also take commissions, and specialize in modern sport equivalents of this kind of stuff for full contact use.
Hit me with a DM - Happy to chat about it.
u/ParkingFlashy6913
That really all depends on whether you are wanting a quality piece or pakicrap. Quality piece by a Smith like myself and other smiths that are going to actually hand forge that the way it was
u/RemarkableDisplay988
I guess that’s a no from you
u/HammerIsMyName
Let me back you up on this. People will find a product that costs 1200 USD, grab the photo from their website and ask me to make it with a budget of 120 USD, not thinking I'd do a revers imag
u/exzyle2k
Ka is a wheel
u/Sneeke33
Would something like this be better made in sections or is trying to forge all the parts on a singular piece the stronger option?
u/Sneeke33
Thanks! This style weapon is by far my favorite and whenever I become at least a novice instead of a dreamer its on my list to try and make.
u/Skittlesthekat
Its sections when you look at examples in museums or multiple forge welds.
This specific one has three different pieces if I remember from last I looked at it.
u/Skittlesthekat
Yes, I specialize in medieval weaponry, however it would be at least half a year before I started on yours due to my waitlist.
u/Hotseat_Hero
It's possible, but a handmade item is usually more expensive than people are willing to pay.
What is your price range?
u/Skittlesthekat
Its sections when you look at examples in museums or multiple forge welds.
This specific one has three different pieces if I remember from last I looked at it.
u/alaskaguyindk
I hate when people say handmade shit is too expensive for/to me. You don’t know how reckless I am with my finances. I once spent $400 for random people to get their faces painted at a rave be
u/Sneeke33
Would something like this be better made in sections or is trying to forge all the parts on a singular piece the stronger option?
u/dirtysmith
Im taking commissions
u/dirtysmith
Im taking commissions
u/GeneralAnubis
So you ignore the people asking very important, specific questions about your price range but gotta drop a snarky reply to this one.
Correct, it's a no from me. Besides the fact that I don't
u/GeneralAnubis
It's that time again on this sub already?
u/Hotseat_Hero
That's why I said usually.
In my experience as a professional Smith of 12 years on two continents, people often don't realize what they're asking for.
It also wildly varies by material. I
u/Skittlesthekat
Yes, I specialize in medieval weaponry, however it would be at least half a year before I started on yours due to my waitlist.
u/Hotseat_Hero
It's possible, but a handmade item is usually more expensive than people are willing to pay.
What is your price range?