Could it be made and so I did

 

    I was talking to my brother about different creative ideas. My brother makes things out of EVA foam. He expressed that he wanted to make a sword. We started brainstorming and talking about different components to consider for a functional sword. After I got off the phone with him for the next two days or so, the idea of making a sword didn’t leave my mind. I then started asking myself how I could make a sword out of materials that I use. Don’t get me wrong, a wood sword is not a knew idea. Exploring online I found videos of people making beautiful swords for wood, but there made with multiple pieces. I became engulfed with how many different kinds of swords have been made throughout history. I found an appreciation for the historical significance and how they were able to create beautiful work by hand.

            I kept pondering, developing a plan, and of course trying to talk myself out of it. But I continued to feel inspired to figure out this random challenge and see what was possible. I decided what type of sword I want to make. The tv show forged in fire did have some influence. I have fallen in love with the D guard style and civil war era. My final decision was to make a saber. Don’t ask me the exact reasons why I chose a saber, because I couldn’t tell you. I researched and found what the general dimension of the sword was online.

            Now I have a choice to make. What size do I want to make this sword. The ultimate motivation is “I am an independent person and make it my own.” I chose to make the sword full scale. I always laugh at the phase “go big or go home.” Plus, there are two other driving forces which are “because I can,” and “why not.” After finding the general dimension and started to draw out the design. I first started small scale to try and get the curve of the saber. However, while I was trying to draw it out the numbers were not adding up. I couldn’t get the curve right and I realized the problem was “I was drawing to small.” I upgraded to drawing the project out full scale. I finalized my design and was happy how it came out. At this point my current problem to figure out was "where to” and “how to make it.” I follow other wood workers online and they do power carving with an angle grind. Well, it’s time to upgrade and add tools to my arsenal. So, an angle grinder and disc attachment were added. Material of choice for convince and cost was a 2x4. With this being my first serious power carving, with an angle grinder. I was afraid of spending too much money. My dad loves to collect things, which will possibly be used sometime in the future. I know with a simple “pretty please,” I could get my hands on wood for free. Plus, my dad likes to have fun in the garage as well. Thankfully my work schedule worked out I had a few days which allowed a “random trip to my parents” for relaxation. It was very intriguing and so I went. It was also a perk to not have to wait till spring to carve my sword.

            The carving adventure started; I was going to use a 2x4 however I needed more width than expected. Just because it says 2x4 doesn’t mean it will be. I found another piece of wood which would work. I traced it out and got to cutting it out. While I was power carving and I realized keeping straight lines is harder than I thought. Despite the amount of planning, I did; there were still a lot of decisions I had to make in the moment. In about three hours I had a sword roughed out. It looked great and I was excited to keep working. My parents got home and were impressed with how it turned out. My dad came outside to join me. It was also amazing weather for the end of February. I pointed to the other half of the left over 2x6 and suggested to my dad to make himself one. He took my roughed-out sword, traced it out and started. In the spirit of fun and to stay unique I told him he needed to adjust the design a little so the out swords would not be the same. Plus, it’s fun to change and make something your own.

            Sanding took a lot of work, but it was worth it. Most of the detailed work was around the handle.      I put a twist detail on the D guard. I added under cuts to give the look that the handle was multiple pieces but in reality, it’s a solid piece. After finishing the detail work for the handle, I loved how my sword turned out. It was a valuable investment. Not only because of what I created but it was fun, and I learned a lot.

            The finishing dilemma. I wanted the sword to look metal and not wood. I figured the only way to give an authentic look would be to paint it. Airbrush painting came to mind which was accompanied by a lot of questions. Considering I have no knowledge about this, or where I would start. Of course, it was off to the drawing board to see if airbrush painting was even possible. After some investigation I took a brave leap of faith as I have done for other projects. I made the investment to try. You have probably guessed by now this project has included a lot of first for me.

            The equipment arrived. I got it working on a canvas. No, I did not go right to painting the sword for my first real attempt. I took another project and went for it there. I was having some fun painting and mixing coloring to give shades and textures. It was fun to see how painting with an airbrush helped bring out details on the project.

            My crazy bravery took over and I went for painting my sword. I got it primed and after it dried, I was ready. I started with the blade wanting to paint it grey and silver to make it look real. I used tape to help keep the paint where I wanted. I learned when trying to tape off a curved surface, it’s hard and the tape doesn’t stick well. I painted the twist detail gold, and the handle a red which stands out in the right light.

            This project put me way out of my comfort zone, which I consider to be a new challenge and chance to explore. Yes, I do agree there is a lot of fear and insecurities associated with getting out of your comfort zone. However, I found that by taking it slow, being patient, and trying something at a pace you feel comfortable with. It actually can be really fun and may surprise you. I do call myself crazy for ideas that I have come up with. As I have shown, my sword off I’ve received a wide range of responses. Usually people have said “are you fighting someone,” or “why did you decided to make that.” My answer for the why is simple “because I can, and so I did.” The picture of my sword laying on the ground was deceiving for the real size. I than showed people me holding the sword and I got the response of “Holey crape that huge, why so big?” My answer was a laughed and responded with “why not.”

            With new ideas there will be a lot of different questions. Some questions might lead you to talking yourself out of ever trying. Remember to trust yourself and to be patient. Remember as you’re exploring and trying different hobbies and adventures. Don’t sell yourself short and let fear and intimidation win. Use it to motivate yourself to try. Yes, there will be times when things don’t work out or look right. However, that is all part of the journey and experience. You can’t have every project or idea come out perfectly every time. Because if that happens what’s left to learn, how could you keep challenging yourself, and would you still be having fun creating things.