<human>:  What technology and skills did blacksmiths use to make swords in Medieval times?
<bot>: Blacksmiths in Medieval times used a variety of technology and skills to create swords. They crafted the blades using a forge and an anvil, and often used hammers, tongs, and punches to shape the metal. They used a range of techniques, such as heat treating, quenching, and tempering, to ensure that the metal was of the highest quality and able to withstand the rigors of combat. Blacksmiths also had to be adept at decorative and ornamental work, as elaborate hilt designs and motifs were often a sign of a swordsmith’s skill. Finally, some swordsmiths also engraved and etch their own designs into the metal for added beauty and impact.