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How to Make a Metal Sword Without a Forge Download ArticleExplore this Article IN THIS ARTICLE 1 Trace the tip of your sword onto a strip of metal. 2 Cut the shape of your sword out with an angle grinder. 3 Grind the edges of the sword. 4 Sand the sword if you’d like it to be shiny. 5 Add a guard made out of a fridge handle. 6 Cut a hilt out of a block of wood. 7 Drill 3 holes into the metal strip. 8 Drill holes into each block of wood. 9 Attach the hilt to the sword with screws. 10 Wrap the grip in leather or twine. + Show 7 more... - Show less... Other Sections Questions & Answers Video Tips and Warnings Things You'll Need Related Articles References Co-authored by Alvaro Mendoza, PhD and Hannah Madden
Last Updated: September 4, 2025 References
Download Article X
This article was co-authored by Alvaro Mendoza, PhD and by wikiHow staff writer, Hannah Madden. Alvaro Mendoza, Ph.D., is a Metallurgist and the Owner of Mendoza Metallurgy in Portland, Oregon. With over 15 years of professional and research experience, Dr. Mendoza has worked in the aerospace industry in forging, casting, metal-making, and additive manufacturing primarily with nickel-based superalloys, titanium and steels. He currently runs a metallurgical consulting and education business that focuses on providing technical expertise to businesses of any size. He was recently featured on a podcast about why metallurgy matters. Dr. Mendoza received his B.S. and M.S. and Ph.D in Materials Science and Engineering, focus on Metallurgy from the University of Florida. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 168,895 times.
If you love collecting swords but you aren't a fan of spending a ton, you’ve probably thought about making your own. However, not everyone has a forge they can use whenever they want, which makes sword-making a little tough. Fortunately, there’s a way you can craft your very own sword without using a forge at all! Read through these instructions to learn how to make a metal sword in a single afternoon.
Steps
1
Trace the tip of your sword onto a strip of metal.
Download Article
Steel generally works the best. Pick one out that’s around 1 to 1.5 m (3.3 to 4.9 ft) long, then trace a pointed tip onto the end of it with a permanent marker. Make it into a triangle shape for the perfect point on the edge of your sword.[1]XResearch source
You can find steel strips at most hardware stores for under $10.
2
Cut the shape of your sword out with an angle grinder.
Download Article
Use a C-clamp to secure the metal strip onto a work table. Put on eye protection and power up an angle grinder with a cutting wheel blade. Hold the angle grinder with both hands and carefully cut the tip into the strip of metal, following the lines you traced earlier. Do this outside so you don’t shoot sparks into your home![2]XResearch source
Angle grinders are fairly easy to use. You can either buy one for around $70, or you can rent one from your local hardware store.
3
Grind the edges of the sword.
Download Article
Most swords have a slight angle on the edges. Put a grinding disc onto your angle grinder and make small passes over both edges of the metal strip, holding the angle grinder at a 45-degree angle to the sword itself. Keep going until both edges are slightly slanted.[3]XResearch source
Don’t hold the angle grinder parallel to the sword, as that will flatten the edges.
4
Sand the sword if you’d like it to be shiny.
Download Article
Don’t sand it if you want a dark finish. If you want the whole thing to be shiny, grab a power sander and load it with 80-grit sandpaper. Turn it on and press it against your sword, moving in circular motions over the flat side. It will take about 1 hour of sanding until your sword looks shiny, but it will be worth it![4]XResearch source
If you don’t care about the shininess of your sword, you can skip this step.
5
Add a guard made out of a fridge handle.
Download Article
A guard protects your hands from the rest of the sword. Try to find a metal fridge handle that’s about 6 in (15 cm) long from your local hardware store. Use a masonry drill bit to cut a slot in the dead center of it that's the same length and width as the flat end of your sword. Slide the guard onto that end of the sword so it’s situated at the end of the hilt, or the area where you’ll grab the sword.[5]XResearch source
If the guard slides around at all, put a screw in front of it using a masonry bit.
6
Cut a hilt out of a block of wood.
Download Article
Make a handle for your sword for extra comfort. Grab a block of wood that’s about 2 inches (5.1 cm) thick and set the non-pointed edge of your sword on top of it (the spot where you’d grab your sword to hold it). Trace the shape of the hilt onto the wood with a pencil, then use a band saw or a hand saw to cut out the shape. Then, cut out another piece of wood in the same shape and size so you can cover both sides of your hilt.[6]XResearch source
The type of wood you choose doesn’t really matter. Just make sure it’s a color that you like, since it will be on the end of your sword.
7
Drill 3 holes into the metal strip.
Download Article
They’re how you’ll attach the hilt to your sword. Clamp your sword down onto your workbench with a C-clamp and mark out where your hilt will be. Use a masonry drill bit to drill 3 holes along the hilt that are about 2 inches (5.1 cm) apart from each other. Drill slowly and carefully to avoid heating up the metal too much.[7]XResearch source
8
Drill holes into each block of wood.
Download Article
One block will get 2 holes, and one block will get 1 hole. Place the blocks of wood onto the strip of metal and line them up with the holes you already made. Use a pencil to mark the holes onto the wood, then clamp the pieces of wood down onto a workbench with a C-clamp. Use a drill to make 2 holes (the top and the bottom hole) on one block, and 1 hole (the center hole) in the other block.[8]XResearch source
It’s much easier to attach the wood to the hilt of your sword if the holes are already there.
9
Attach the hilt to the sword with screws.
Download Article
Place the 2 pieces of wood around the grip of your sword. Screw in 2 screws on one side of the sword, going for the top and bottom drill holes that you made. Flip the sword over and add the last screw in the center drill hole. If parts of the screws stick out, file them off with a metal file to make sure your hilt is smooth.[9]XResearch source
If the wood on your hilt is kind of rough, use a sheet of 80-grit sandpaper to sand it down until it’s smooth.
10
Wrap the grip in leather or twine.
Download Article
Grabbing a wooden hilt won’t be very comfortable. Add a thin layer of super glue over the wooden hilt, then start wrapping your leather or twine from the bottom up. Overlap each layer so your wooden hilt is completely hidden. When you get to the top of the sword, cut off the excess twine or leather, then let it dry.[10]XResearch source
Try cutting up an old leather belt into strips for the perfect grip material.
Community Q&A
Search Add New Question
Question How durable is this sword? Community Answer It is not very durable, as it is not heat treated or tempered. Only use this method for display pieces -- if you want a good sword, then use a forge. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 25 Helpful 110
Question What's a good steel for a beginning? Community Answer Carbon steel 1045-1080; stainless steel 440 a, b or c for a knife, but no sword longer than a foot 316 to make something that won't rust. Anything made of tough steel (impact resistant) that has not suffered too much wear and tear. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 15 Helpful 58
Question Where can I get the metal to make the sword? Community Answer A junkyard or any place storing old cars would be a good place to start. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 12 Helpful 68
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Tips
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Warnings
Always wear eye protection when working with power tools. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
Read the user manual of every tool you use completely before you start. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
Things You'll Need
Permanent marker
C-clamp
Angle grinder
Grinding disc
Drill
Masonry bit
Steel strip
Block of wood
Screws
80-grit sandpaper
Leather or twine
Superglue
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Co-authored by: Alvaro Mendoza, PhD Metallurgist This article was co-authored by Alvaro Mendoza, PhD and by wikiHow staff writer, Hannah Madden. Alvaro Mendoza, Ph.D., is a Metallurgist and the Owner of Mendoza Metallurgy in Portland, Oregon. With over 15 years of professional and research experience, Dr. Mendoza has worked in the aerospace industry in forging, casting, metal-making, and additive manufacturing primarily with nickel-based superalloys, titanium and steels. He currently runs a metallurgical consulting and education business that focuses on providing technical expertise to businesses of any size. He was recently featured on a podcast about why metallurgy matters. Dr. Mendoza received his B.S. and M.S. and Ph.D in Materials Science and Engineering, focus on Metallurgy from the University of Florida. This article has been viewed 168,895 times. 52 votes - 84% Co-authors: 19Updated: September 4, 2025 Views: 168,895 Categories: Fencing In other languagesRussian
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Reader Success Stories
Wade
Oct 13, 2018
"Your article was helpful. I did not have a metal strip, so I instead want to use a metal fooseball table handle (I understand that I might need a forge for this). Thanks for taking your time to write this!"..." more
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Yes No Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Alvaro Mendoza, PhD Metallurgist Co-authors: 19Updated: September 4, 2025 Views: 168,89584% of readers found this article helpful. 52 votes - 84% Click a star to add your vote
Wade
Oct 13, 2018
"Your article was helpful. I did not have a metal strip, so I instead want to use a metal fooseball table handle (I understand that I might need a forge for this). Thanks for taking your time to write this!"..." more Share yours!
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Download Article Explore this Article IN THIS ARTICLE 1 Trace the tip of your sword onto a strip of metal. 2 Cut the shape of your sword out with an angle grinder. 3 Grind the edges of the sword. 4 Sand the sword if you’d like it to be shiny. 5 Add a guard made out of a fridge handle. 6 Cut a hilt out of a block of wood. 7 Drill 3 holes into the metal strip. 8 Drill holes into each block of wood. 9 Attach the hilt to the sword with screws. 10 Wrap the grip in leather or twine. + Show 7 more... - Show less... Other Sections Questions & Answers Video Tips and Warnings Things You'll Need Related Articles References Co-authored by Alvaro Mendoza, PhD and Hannah Madden 
How toMake a Viking Shield 
Co-authored by: Alvaro Mendoza, PhD Metallurgist This article was co-authored by Alvaro Mendoza, PhD and by wikiHow staff writer, Hannah Madden. Alvaro Mendoza, Ph.D., is a Metallurgist and the Owner of Mendoza Metallurgy in Portland, Oregon. With over 15 years of professional and research experience, Dr. Mendoza has worked in the aerospace industry in forging, casting, metal-making, and additive manufacturing primarily with nickel-based superalloys, titanium and steels. He currently runs a metallurgical consulting and education business that focuses on providing technical expertise to businesses of any size. He was recently featured on a podcast about why metallurgy matters. Dr. Mendoza received his B.S. and M.S. and Ph.D in Materials Science and Engineering, focus on Metallurgy from the University of Florida. This article has been viewed 168,895 times. 52 votes - 84% Co-authors: 19 Updated: September 4, 2025 Views: 168,895 Categories: Fencing In other languagesRussian 
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Steel generally works the best. Pick one out that’s around 1 to 1.5 m (3.3 to 4.9 ft) long, then trace a pointed tip onto the end of it with a permanent marker. Make it into a triangle shape for the perfect point on the edge of your sword.[1] 
Use a C-clamp to secure the metal strip onto a work table. Put on eye protection and power up an angle grinder with a cutting wheel blade. Hold the angle grinder with both hands and carefully cut the tip into the strip of metal, following the lines you traced earlier. Do this outside so you don’t shoot sparks into your home![2] 
Most swords have a slight angle on the edges. Put a grinding disc onto your angle grinder and make small passes over both edges of the metal strip, holding the angle grinder at a 45-degree angle to the sword itself. Keep going until both edges are slightly slanted.[3] 
Don’t sand it if you want a dark finish. If you want the whole thing to be shiny, grab a power sander and load it with 80-grit sandpaper. Turn it on and press it against your sword, moving in circular motions over the flat side. It will take about 1 hour of sanding until your sword looks shiny, but it will be worth it![4] 
A guard protects your hands from the rest of the sword. Try to find a metal fridge handle that’s about 6 in (15 cm) long from your local hardware store. Use a masonry drill bit to cut a slot in the dead center of it that's the same length and width as the flat end of your sword. Slide the guard onto that end of the sword so it’s situated at the end of the hilt, or the area where you’ll grab the sword.[5] 
Make a handle for your sword for extra comfort. Grab a block of wood that’s about 2 inches (5.1 cm) thick and set the non-pointed edge of your sword on top of it (the spot where you’d grab your sword to hold it). Trace the shape of the hilt onto the wood with a pencil, then use a band saw or a hand saw to cut out the shape. Then, cut out another piece of wood in the same shape and size so you can cover both sides of your hilt.[6] 
They’re how you’ll attach the hilt to your sword. Clamp your sword down onto your workbench with a C-clamp and mark out where your hilt will be. Use a masonry drill bit to drill 3 holes along the hilt that are about 2 inches (5.1 cm) apart from each other. Drill slowly and carefully to avoid heating up the metal too much.[7] 
One block will get 2 holes, and one block will get 1 hole. Place the blocks of wood onto the strip of metal and line them up with the holes you already made. Use a pencil to mark the holes onto the wood, then clamp the pieces of wood down onto a workbench with a C-clamp. Use a drill to make 2 holes (the top and the bottom hole) on one block, and 1 hole (the center hole) in the other block.[8] 
Place the 2 pieces of wood around the grip of your sword. Screw in 2 screws on one side of the sword, going for the top and bottom drill holes that you made. Flip the sword over and add the last screw in the center drill hole. If parts of the screws stick out, file them off with a metal file to make sure your hilt is smooth.[9] 
Grabbing a wooden hilt won’t be very comfortable. Add a thin layer of super glue over the wooden hilt, then start wrapping your leather or twine from the bottom up. Overlap each layer so your wooden hilt is completely hidden. When you get to the top of the sword, cut off the excess twine or leather, then let it dry.[10] 
Community Answer It is not very durable, as it is not heat treated or tempered. Only use this method for display pieces -- if you want a good sword, then use a forge. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 25 Helpful 110 
Community Answer Carbon steel 1045-1080; stainless steel 440 a, b or c for a knife, but no sword longer than a foot 316 to make something that won't rust. Anything made of tough steel (impact resistant) that has not suffered too much wear and tear. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 15 Helpful 58 