Swords By Marto
Toledo is famous for its historical character, its art and its steel. It is difficult to know the exact date when sword and knives began being made in the historic "City of Councils", but it is beyond all doubt that this industry is as old as the town itself.
The fame of the Toledo steels was enrooted in the mastery with which some artificers handled tempering, without any technical knowledge, or instruments capable of measuring, by far, the adequate temperatures for such a treatment. These temperatures were known by the colour of the red-hot steel and the immersion time in water, by means of prayers, poems or songs allusive of the trade. People related the quality of this, tempering to the waters of the Tagus River in which the swords were tempered.
Marto was founded in 1961 in the old district of Toledo to regain the testimony and the techniques of the sword master-craftsman. Today Marto brings back to life the original art of the sword, joining traditional handicraft with modern materials by a team of men willing to make a daily effort to achieve the unsurpassed quality, which identifies Marto products.
The Scottish Claymore - This was the sword of Jacob I (1394-1437), King of Scotland who was crowned in 1424 in Scone. He decreased the power of the feudal lords. Under his rule the Scottish laws were codified and a system of weights and measures was set. For his bravery in the battle and "strong hand" for ruling his country, he was called "the Lion of Scotland".
