Living by the sword: Carving a nichemaking warrior blades

NEW HAMPTON, New York - Through smoke and sparks and staccato banging from his anvil, John Lundemo forges swooping swords that look like they should be pulled from a stone, swung by a samurai or thrust on Game of Thrones.

The 60-year-old has carved out a niche making pricey blades that are inspired by history but liberally mix in elements of East and West, high art and Hollywood.

"I do tend to add my own flair," Lundemo said in his shop recently. "Making exact copies, I don't do."