Modern Sword Making

Recently it was announced that Epic Weapons would be producing a replica of Frostmourne, the Sword of the Lich King, from the Warcraft video games. I like swords. From historical reproductions to fantasy weapons, I think swords are cool.

With my knowledge of modern manufacturing technology I was able to dissect the probable process for the production of this sword. It most likely started with Blizzard sending them their own 3D models as used in the game and cinematic trailers. The models were then tweaked into something that could be manufactured. The blade would be done on a CNC mill in what could be done in as few as 3 stages. Easy stuff. The hilt with all of its detail was most likely output to a rapid prototyping 3D printer. The resulting resin model would only need minor hand tweaking before being used as the form to create the casts. With the casts made, each hilt would then require minimum labor for some coloration and finishing. In short, the technology behind this sword is quite impressive while the sword itself is not. Less than a decade ago such a replica would have required the work of some very skilled artisans.

In any weapon, functionality should be paramount. If you can't actually attack your enemies with it, then all you've got is art.

To their credit, in the past there have been some really crappy fantasy swords manufactured with things like cheap chrome plated blades. At least they put some quality materials into this project. I'd still rather have a handcrafted piece from Arms and Armor.