It’s been my absolute honour to contribute this inspirational sword to Team Canada on the road to the FIFA 2022 World Cup!
Team Canada 2022
Group Photo from the Canadian Men’s Soccer Team
John Herdman
Canada Soccer’s Men’s National Team Head Coach
The Story of The Sword:
A Symbol of Brotherhood on an International Quest
How the Team Canada FIFA 2022 Sword Came into Existence
An Opportunity to Influence A Team on a Journey
One day, I received an email for a Custom Sword Project.
After reading it, I became INSTANTLY EXCITED!
When this “mystery client” and I discussed the project over the phone, I knew this would be a perfect match.
I was thrilled to work on this custom sword, but I had to keep it a secret, due to the high level profile of the client, and the purpose of the sword.
“The World will know
we went to WAR in each game!”
One aspect of the project which truly struck me was the inscription requested for the blade: “NIHIL TIMENDUM EST.”
It’s a Latin phrase, roughly translated as “nothing to fear it is,” or in more modern English, “FEAR NOTHING.”
Want to Know More about The Story of the Sword?
Team Canada’s Reverence for the Sword
Team Canada has undoubtedly been on the warpath!
They’ve achieved incredible feats, including:
beating the United States in CONCACAF World Cup qualification for the 1st time since 1980, and for added bonus, winning in the hometown of Hamilton, Ontario in Tim Hortons Field!
qualifying for the World Cup for the 1st time since 1986!
Check out this story by the CBC on how the Sword had problems getting through customs on the plane ride to Costa Rica!
Here’s another article from the Toronto Star with a brief interview from Captain John Herdman - and myself! I discuss how the sword came to be.
Canadian Men’s Soccer Team Sword Details & Specs
Hilt
Handle
Leather Wrapped with Poplar Core
Hilt Fittings
Mild Steel
Wielding
Point of Balance
2.5” from Guard
Total Weight
3lbs 2oz
Blade
Material
5160 Spring Steel
Thickness
0.250
Width
1.8”
Length
Overall Length
34”
Blade Length
26.5”
Gallery
Crafted By Canadian Bladesmith
Steve Karakostas
I’m obsessed with a love for the Sword. I believe a Sword can be a symbol of hope and honour. My role is to breathe life into the sword, and enable it to serve its purpose to the fullest.
The Sword As Inspiration
Holding a real sword that is properly balanced in your hand makes it feel like it’s an extension of your arm. It unlocks something inside you that you didn’t know was there. This is why I continue to craft swords with purpose and meaning.
I believe the Sword can be a symbol for something greater than ourselves.
The Sword can represent an ideal towards which we strive.
It can be a source of inspiration, propelling us in the direction of our dreams.
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