Bloomfield Man Makes Swords And Knives For TV And Movie

(BLOOMFIELD) - Kyle Willyard, of Bloomfield, is a project engineer for defense contractors science applications corporation, helping to defend the nation’s military personnel around the world, but his hobby of designing hand-forged swords, knives and hand axes and pewter crafts from the 1750s to 1840s has brought him fame.

His work can be seen in the Pirates of Caribbean: The Black Pearl. His business, Old Dominion Forge at his home on State Road 157, north of Bloomfield, keeps him busy most nights and weekends.

Willyard uses tools used during the colonial to near Civil War era to make his creations. His knives are authentic and typical of the kinds that were traded to the Indians and sold in backwoods stores.

One of the highlights of his business was when Disney asked him to create the swords and knives used in the movie. Willyard received a call from the prop's master, who had seen Willyard's work on his website. The company purchased about a dozen of his swords and axes. He has also did some work for the HBO mini-series about President John Adams.

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