All living things contain a measure of madness that moves them in strange, sometimes inexplicable ways. This madness can be saving; it is part and parcel of the ability to adapt. Without it, no species would survive.
Yann Martel, Life of Pi
he means primitive technology there are no automated hammers and that's also a question i have if he were to "fold" which I'm guessing is quenching how the hell can you call it a sword at the end that's just an explosion waiting to happen
In fact, he cannot appear one day and give his family XXXX gold. It will be suspicious. From the people he buy the material to transmute, to the people he sell the transmuted material. That's just asking from higher power to come knocking at your door and kill all your family.
ExaltedPotatoes