【Weapon Design】Become a Weaponsmith 〜Sword Edition〜

 

Thank you for waiting so long! Now, the time is ripe for the introduction of swords!

Swords must be the type of weapon that appears in the most battle fictions than any other weapons.

 

The wide range of designs, from the practical to the ornately decorated to show prestige, is one of the most attractive features of swords!

In this article, we are going to be slashed down by the allurement of swords, the star weapon in fantasy settings.

 

This article is going to be like a reference material providing you readers with various types of sword, saying “how about it, you like it?”

Hope this will help your weapon design!

 

 

Sword Types

First, let me explain swords that actually existed.

 

Single-handed, Both-handed, Short Sword

 

• “One-handed sword” combining speed, strength and a wide attack range
• “Both-handed sword” is capable of striking a strong blow
• “Short sword” is the shortest of one-handed swords

 

In contrast to the short sword, single or both-handed swords are sometimes described as “Long Swords”.

 

Odachi, Uchigatana, Tanto

 

Katana has its edge only on one side, and has a slight curve.

 

The common image of katana is called “Uchigatana” which is held by both hands.

That’s why it has a longer hilt (grip) than a single-handed sword.

 

There are also “Wakizashi” and “Tanto” katanas which are equivalent to daggers.

 

Swords with Original Designs

From now on, let’s take a look at the swords I designed!

These are the swords with the design of four elements or with the motif of something.

 

Swords of the Four Elements

 

The four elements as always!

The sword itself has many varieties, so I  want to make use of this abundance to create rich variations.

 

Please refer to this article for “Fire Sword”

【For Beginners】Become a Weaponsmith – Casting & Minting ～【Weapon Design】

 

 

Designs for Sword Guard

 

Sword guards are designed to protect the hands from attack.

Over time, the decorative significance of this part has increased.

If you design a sword with some motifs, be aware of guards and your design will be so cool.

 

Read more about “Cat Sword”

【Making】Drawing a Cat Eared Female Knight !

 

 

Legend Sword

 

“The long sword that slays dragon” or “The king’s sword in a stone”. Swords are weapons with a lot of anecdotes.

You can employ legendary weapons as motifs and create your original designs!

 

 

Equipping Swords or Katanas: Difference

There’s an utter difference in equipment and battle styles between swords and katanas.

 

When Swords Equipped

 

In the West, swords are mainly used to stab through the gap in armors or to smash and break armors down.

It can also be equipped as a one-handed sword with a shield or as a two-handed sword with a dagger, focusing on both offensive and defensive aspects.

 

When Katanas Equipped

 

The characteristic of Katana, on the other hand, is that it is designed to slash.

 

Using the whole body, and slash it in accordance with the curve of the blade, katanas generate extraordinary sharpness.

With Wakizashi in the left hand, a two-sword style is possible!

 

 

Conclusion: Pay Attention to Weapons!

This concludes the weapon design!

 

• Sword TypesSingle-handed, Both-handed, Short SwordOdachi, Uchigatana, Tanto
• Swords with Original DesignsSwords of the Four ElementsDesigns for Sword Guard

  Legend Sword

• Equipping Swords or Katanas: DifferenceWhen Swords EquippedWhen Katanas Equipped

 

It’s up to you whether you consider the images when the weapons are equipped.

Some readers may already have a specific image of their character, but may have a vague idea of when the weapon is equipped, so I have listed some images.

 

Tales of heroes are always with special weapons.

Their flesh is destined to decay, but the actions of magnificent heroes will stay forever, in people’s minds.

 

This is condensed into anecdotes of sword, and the weapon becomes the symbol of legends.

We can say that these famed sacred swords are the ones who guide us to the fantasy world!

 

Now then, thank you for reading!

 

(Text・Illustrations/ 時計)

Twitter@Clock1231

 

↓See the previous articles of “Become a Weaponsmith”

・【For Beginners】Become a Weaponsmith – Casting & Minting 〜 【Weapon Design】

・【For Beginners & Intermediates】Become a Weaponsmith ~Equipment Edition~【Weapon Design】

・【For Beginners】Become a Weaponsmith ~Using Tools~