By Martin Hintz

The gang at Albion Armorers in New Glarus, Wis., has a simple way of looking at these troubled days. Some of their promo material reads, “This economy sucks. During tough economic times, people need an escape. We want to help....let’s have a little fun while we wait for things to get better.”

Albion’s advice is to purchase a sword and live by a code of chivalry where one is loyal, seeks justice and is noble, brave and faithful – among many other attributes that certain segments of today’s society have forgotten.

By the way, Albion has turned adhering to these tenets into a comfortable business. It’s become one of the North America’s major manufacturers of handcrafted blades used in the movies, for stage productions, reenactments and collections. Need a Viking outfit? Call Albion. Want to look like the Black Knight? Harken thee to Albion.

There aren’t many outlets in the Cheese State where a swordsman (or woman) can purchase a forged blade with a non-linear distal taper that was differentially hardened in the Japanese style of swordmaking. Note that the guard and pommel are browned to prevent rusting. This little slice of the past could be had for around $1,350. Ah, but alas and alack, it sold almost immediately after being made. You can be sure – as they say in dairy-loving New Glarus that the current owner just “doesn’t cut the cheese” with a collectible like this.

Now located in the old Strickler Meats building, in operation from the 1890s to the 1970s, and then as New Glarus Foods, Albion has become a business linchpin of downtown New Glarus. The place has quite a history, so why not now be a home for racks and racks of chain mail, helmets, scabbards...and oodles of swords. 

The company is owned by Howard (Howy) Waddell, 47, who has a bit of Irish and Scottish in his bloodline, and his wife Amy, 38, a Scandinavian with family roots in Wisconsin. The two met by e-mail and were married in 1997. Before Albion blossomed, Waddell was the deputy assistant secretary of labor, heading up the public relations department for the US Department of Labor. Amy was the chief operating officer of FoolMart, the e-commerce arm of the Motley Fool (fool.com).

Howard earned a B.A. magna cum laude from Marlboro College in Marlboro, Vt.,, majoring in medieval and ancient history. He studied for one year in Ireland at Trinity College and University College Dublin (UCD). Amy has an English degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. 

Howy has been intrigued by swords since he was a young child,” his wife explained, “using his overactive imagination to travel back to the days of King Arthand. He’s been collecting ever since. “

In 2000, the Waddells learned of the availability of the old sausage-making building from Deb Carey, then a co-chair of the New Glarus Chamber of Commerce. Carey and her husband own the New Glarus Brewery. The Waddells were intrigued by the size of the place and bought it.

One section of the Waddell’s building is called "The Far Side" where master craftsman Jody Samson works. The former Californian had worked on Conan the Barbarian equipment and for other films. Supposedly, part of this structure where he’s tucked away was a brewery owned by Al Capone...at least, according to local legend.

Another Albion smith has just taken over a basement area where it is thought that Capone disposed of individuals with whom he had “disagreements,” said Waddell.

Drawing Albion staffers to New Glarus was not a problem, said Waddell, adding, “The people who work in this field do so out of love and passion. Let's face it, there aren't many places where they can do this kind of thing – at least not for a living.”

The only one who took awhile to commit to moving was Samson, who had to move from Los Angeles, that rainbow land of sun, warmth and beaches. But he agreed to come to New Glarus, even with its seven-month winters, according to Waddell.

“Jody is a lizard at heart. He needs heat as much as he needs air. But he did make the move, and as much as he hates the cold, he is enjoying working here in New Glarus,” she affirmed.

“So what do swordmakers do after work to cut the rug? At least every Wednesday and occasionally another night, the Albion staff gets together after work at Sportsman's Bar and Grill on Main Street, to chow down home-cookin’ and to quaff some New Glarus Brewery beer.

On the other nights, they stay late and work, or head home to their families. Waddell said there were occasional sword fights and test cutting sessions on weekends. And who knows when another wandering swordmaker might stroll in and talk shop.

Heading into a promo mode, Albion’s magazine cum catalog, Warrior/Film Swords, comes out on the occasional basis. It’s chock full of stories and interviews with others interested in the field of thrust and parry. And the company is in the process of building out a reception area and arranging tours to the public.

Wander through for an interesting slice of New Glarus life.

When You Go: Albion Armorers, 421 2nd St., New Glarus, Wis., 53574 ; 888-806-4356; http://albionarmorers.com.