Sword Making Guide.

Decoration.

You might want a totally plain sword in which case there is no need to do any decoration. However most swords have some form of decoration on then and there is a number of ways to go about this.

Carving.

There are a number of ways of carving decoration into the hilt and pommel. The obvious method is to use a knife but a soldering iron makes an excellent tool for melting patterns into the surface. (When using a soldering iron work outside and avoid breathing the fumes given off as they are very unpleasant.) A small modelling drill can also be used to engrave the surface.

Building Up.

The other alternative to carving material away is to add material to the hilt and pommel. Patterns can be built up by gluing small pieces of foam glued onto the hilt or latex castings can be glued on. One other possibility is to use the hot melt glue gun to build up patterns using small dots and lines of glue.

Return to Sword Making Guide Index.

Back to Making the Pommel.

Forward to Making the Hand Grip.