About Rob

Castle Keep was Established in 1991 on the Isle of Skye, and has gone on to become recognised Worldwide for the quality and craftsmanship that goes into every individual piece. Rob Miller is one of a very few remaining Swordsmiths using traditional techniques to create entirely authentic functional Swords and Knives. This means Fire and Hammer; forging, hardening and tempering the steel to give the desired qualities of toughness and flexibility as well as the beauty and grace of true works of Art. Mr Miller offers his work to discerning Collectors, enthusiasts and those seeking a true Heirloom made in the traditional manner of the Medieaval Smith.

Commissions

Rob Millers work has been commissioned for The Gathering Dirk (presented to HRH Prince Charles at the 2009 Gathering). As well as pieces for several key figures in the Film and Music industry Castle Keep has also been featured on several TV programmes including The History Channel, NDR Germany and the BBC.

Sword construction

All our Swords are carefully assembled to give both an aesthetic beauty and an authentic integrity. These are all fully working pieces, each blade is forged, hardened and tempered to give a Rockwell hardness of 52-55, ideal for both flexibility and holding a cutting edge, the two primary qualities to look for in a blade.



We use EN45 and EN47 medium carbon spring steel, to give exceptional toughness and performance, also Damascus pattern welded steels on special request. The fittings are made to assemble tightly onto the blade prior to being fixed in place, which can be in either one of two ways; recessed nut; the pommel is slotted to fit snugly around the tang, the recessed nut binding the whole assembly together. This allows for the sword to be taken apart if needed, for cleaning etc.



Peened Tang a traditional method for fixing the pommel in place, the end of the tang is heated and hammered to fit. Grips are generally made from hardwood, either leather or wire bound, also twine binding with calfskin, all of which are authentic methods. The pommel can be inset with Silver coins to request, made and cast from your design, the blade can likewise be decorated with etching to order, I use the traditional method of cutting into beeswax and laying on acid to achieve a deep pattern, all freehand.