Sword Links
Lots of sword-related links (all from i09, no less) for your bladed enjoyment today, lovely lurkers! 
~Jenn
http://io9.com/5831683/a-brief-history-of-the-ancient-science-of-sword-making
http://io9.com/5793375/can-you-recognize-the-10-greatest-swords-of-all-time
http://io9.com/5831592/how-to-swallow-a-sword
re: that last one: there was a sword swallower that frequented Pearl St. Mall and the Colorado Renaissance festival back when I was a teenager. His name was Johnny Fox. He was absolutely one of my favorite performers (him and Airjazz) ever, and I was so thrilled that I was able to catch his show so often locally. I’d watch him so many times I got to know his patter by heart. Not only did he do sword-swallowing, but he did awesome old-school magic as well. Anyone hear about what he’s up to these days? I think he’s in New York…
He’s alive and well, living in NY and still doing the Renn Fair circuit, amongst other things I suppose. Show pretty much the same, but still hysterically funny and wildly entertaining so no one seems to mind at all.
I think I still have some of his act memorized. As you say, not that I mind–it’s just because I used to nerd out so much on his act that I attended it so often!
Good to know he’s still doing his [awesome] thing. ~Jenn
@Johnny Fox: He returned to the Colorado Renaissance Festival this past season. Maybe he’ll return for this upcoming one?