Are you fascinated with swords? Swords have been around for centuries; the first of them appeared in the Middle East. Then, if you had a sword it was a show of status, authority, and martial might. Swordplay itself was a privilege reserved for the elite. Nowadays, anyone can make a sword. With the proper tools and a little imagination, you can learn how to make a sword.
Over the years, the sword has evolved into many forms. At one point, the sight of a sword meant the sight of a warrior as it was a primary weapon in many areas all over the world. As new types of weapons entered the scene, there was less need for the sword, and it became more common for the sport of fencing.
A sword’s quality is measured by its strength, balance, flexibility, and hardness. All of which you can achieve as long as you have proper tools and know the look you want your sword to have. Whatever your need or interest in wanting to make a sword, we can assist. Let’s look at how to make a sword:
Table of Contents
What You’ll Need
Anvil
This is a necessary piece of equipment to have and is used for shaping and hammering your metal.
Forge
This is technically a blacksmith’s workshop. Without it, you won’t be able to heat the metal.
Tongs
You will need this to grip and lift your metal.
Hammer
Hammering is an important part of making a sword.
Grinder
This is for grinding and polishing your sword.
Sandpaper
This will help to level up your sword by getting rid of surface blemishes and shaping and leveling it.
Table
Always handy during crafting or blacksmithing projects.
Utility Knife
To assist with smaller-level cutting.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Design Your Sword
Now that you have your materials, it’s important to know what you want your sword to look like. You want to know before you get started. If it’s your first time, simplicity is best so stick to simple geometric designs. You can even draw it on paper to have something to work from.
Step 2: Decide on Your Metal
The metal you use for the sword is crucial. These days, steel is a popular choice for making swords. Make sure to find a good piece; only certain steel can be hardened. High carbon steel is a good choice. The metal you chose needs to be hammered into the appropriate dimensions you want for your blade.
Step 3: Forge
Heat the metal to a workable temperature using the forge. Leave your metal in the forge until it turns bright orange.
Step 4: Hammer
In order for the metal to take on the shape you want, you will need to take it through a hammering process. This can be a lengthy process and may require repeatedly reheating and hammering. This part requires patience and understanding that it may not look exactly like the design, especially if this is your first time. Use the time during this process to work on all of the dimensions of your sword. Once you’re done with the shaping, heat the metal to an extremely high temperature and allow it to cool down. This is also known as the annealing process. Cooling can take an entire day.
Step 5: Grind
Using a belt grinder, clean up the flat side of the blade to remove any impurities that may be on it. Slowly put the edge against the belt and still slowly move it across its length. This is a process you don’t want to rush. This is also a good point in the process to add any engravings or designs you may want on your sword. You should now see your sword coming to form.
Also Read: Types of Angle Grinders
Step 6: Harden
This step is unique for the type of metal you are using. It involves forging the blade again; the length of time depends on your steel. You don’t want to overheat it, so start with a lower temperature and gradually raise it to the desired temperature. This process locks the carbon molecules to prevent warps or fractures.
Step 7: Final Grind, Polish and Complete
Now it’s time to apply the final touches, which involve the final grinding and polishing. Go through the grinding process for about another 20 to 30 minutes. Then use a sheet of rough sandpaper to smoothen out your pommel and handle even more. This will help to produce a finer, more polished texture. Do this for as long as you deem necessary.
Also Read: How to Polish Aluminum
Your sword is complete!
Conclusion
In 2 to 7 days, you can have a sword that you were able to make yourself. Your sword can be as basic as they come, or you can make it elaborate with pommels and guards; the choice is yours. The more often you do this, the more creative you will get. Learning how to make a sword is a skill that anyone can acquire, but to become good at it requires patience. The less rushed you are in creating your blade, the more well crafted it will look.
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