Fixing bent sword blades, permanently

[Evilcartoonist]

I've always hated bent sword blades on my minis.  A couple years ago, I started making my own blades to replace blades I think are too thin, or those on figures that will get handled often. You can see my step-by-step (for a Steve Barber samurai) here: http://carmensminiaturepainting.blogspot.com/2009/12/dropping-hammer-making-your-own-swords.html

[Silent Invader]

Funnily enough, earlier today I was wondering what to do with a thin blade!  Great tutorial, thanks for sharing. 

[Viper]

That is utterly fantastic.

Aside from the obvious benfits of having a sword blade that fits better and is more solid there is just something wonderful and special to me about the idea of "smithing" your models weapons for them.
 

[Bugsda]

Safety goggles!? 

Wimp!

[Christian]

"It's time to hammer"? Doesn't have such a good ring to it the tute is awesome though, I will definitely be using this!

[YPU]

Hm, seems like an useful trick, the only problem that the one anvil I have is 350killo. Anyhow, if the blades turn out to bend to often I could probably whip up a tutorial on hardening some common materials as well. 

[rob_the_robgoblin]

Hey man,

great article and what a wonderful blog. Lots of inspiring ideas there.

I really should consider using DnD minis as a basis for Flintloque conversions and just plain fantasy miniatures for skirmishes!

I'm now following. 

[Gluteus Maximus]

Hm, seems like an useful trick, the only problem that the one anvil I have is 350killo.

You're not from Texas are you?     

[silvana]

Great tutorial thanks for sharing.

[Christian]

A great read, again thanks for sharing!

But, I had a bit of trouble with this tutorial. I'm not sure if it is the quality of brass I'm using but, even though I was striking with similar force, I ended up with really uneven edges.

I might have to go back and file the edges? Cutting them with the budget diagonal cutter I have isn't doing too well.

Did you come across anything like this when you were making it?

[Evilcartoonist]

It takes some practice; Each strike of the hammer has to be equal distance from the last strike and with equal force. If the hammer head has any imperfections in it, that may contribute to an uneven result. But, yes, it does take practice.
I've been hammerin' away for two years- I should have saved some of my first tries- they were atrocious

Something you might practice before doing swords, is to do a few spears. Just a few strikes on one end of a brass rod; clip to shape your point and file off the burs.