Lady Vivamus 04

I expected that getting the motto "Dum vivimus, vivamus!" onto the blade would be the most difficult part of the project and that proved to be true. I created artwork with the motto imbedded in "curlicues". Heinlein says the motto is "chased" on the blade. That could be any of several techniques. Traditionally, the decorations and markings on sword blades are acid etched into the steel. Most modern military dress swords are actually etched with a laser. Engraving, by hand or machine, is another technique that could be used. I looked into all of these and found them to be either too expensive or technically difficult.