Hi all! As I look over the re-finished show blade beside one of the untouched originals, I realize how much I’ve learned since I first began crafting Seraph Blades. I have better tools, better techniques, and a better understanding of just what the medium of acrylic is capable of.
The difference is rather shocking.
Continue reading “Better Quality Swords”
As promised, there is a new Buying Guide for my Shadowhunter swords up for you to peruse.
In other news, I’m a couple days away from completing a re-finished Gabriel and a brand new Jahoel.
I love the jump from 360 grit to the 600 grit polish. Such a change in clarity and smoothness.
Anywho, the Adamant Studio is now taking commissions. If you’re thinking of grabbing a blade in time for the winter holidays, now is a good time to get your foot in the door before the rush.
So! What have I been up to lately? Working hard. As you can see, Jahoel has been completed and is on its way to Norway. This is the first blade to be made from start to finish in the new Adamant Studio in Finland. I’m rather pleased with it. I think I’ve managed to hit a good balance between transparency and opacity so that they are both true to the description in the books, and photograph well.
What’s next? Well, I have ordered leather to begin crafting the new TV series style blades for those who desire them.
Also, my original show blades arrived from Canada! Remember these?
Continue reading “Latest News From the Studio”
Hi guys! I watched the trailer for the upcoming Shadowhunters TV series and I’m really excited to watch it. January can’t come soon enough!
I noticed that the prop designers for this incarnation of Cassandra Clare’s creation decided to put opaque, metallic or wooden hilts on the Seraph Blades. There are also runes engraved into the handles.
The blades in the TV series also spring from the hilt when engaged, much like a lightsaber. That would be far beyond my crafting capabilities. (I’m creative but I’m not a freaking warlock.) However, making opaque handles is well within the scope of possibility. Another nice thing about an opaque hilt is that it’s possible to install a light inside to make the blade glow. In a perfectly clear blade, there’s nowhere to hide such a thing except in the palm of a glove.
My questions are: Would you be interested in seeing me craft some TV series style Seraph Blades? Which do you prefer: the movie style or the TV style? Also, for those who like cosplaying Alec Lightwood, would you be interested in adamas arrow-heads?
Feel free to answer in the comments and let me know what you’d like to see next from the Adamant Studio. Safe hunting. 😉
Yeaaaaaah! That feels good. First cut done on a couple new short swords. I had to use a hack-saw to shorten the long piece of plastic because it wouldn’t fit on the bandsaw’s table. Mo’ plastic mo’ problems? Meh.
These are my new babies. Belt sander and band saw respectively. They still need to be bolted to the table. And I’d REALLY like to get some sound proofing in the workshop before I fire these things up because they’re quite loud. I have some contoured foam incoming to attach to the wall so my neighbours will hate me a little less. Hopefully.
To give you an idea of how hard acrylic plastic is, this was a brand new hack saw. Was. So, for those of you wondering “could I possibly do this project without a band saw?” Yes. Yes you can. But you will need plenty of blades to switch in when they wear out.
I’m not kidding. This one is for cutting metal. So if you’re making one or two Seraph Blades for yourself, a hack saw will do for the rough cuts provided you have enough sheer stubbornness and elbow grease to get through it.
For those of you waiting on orders thank you for your patience. If my health will just continue to improve and my machines cooperate nicely, I should be back in the shop regularly soon.
Good news: My band saw and belt sander both arrived early! Now I have tools to work with. 🙂
Bad news: I’ve been sick for the past few days and it seems reluctant to go away. 😦
I don’t talk much about personal issues on this blog cause I know you’re all interested in my work and want to hear about that. I’m just letting you know that my health is currently slowing me down.
My goal for today is to get the band-saw put together correctly.
Woo! It arrived!
Inside this violently yellow package is a tightly-wrapped bundle of ten acrylic slabs. Yes, it’s heavy. About 50lbs. The delivery fella wasn’t sure I could carry it but luckily I lift weights. All that exercise has gotta be good for something!
Will it be 10 longswords? Will it be 20 short swords? Or perhaps 30 daggers? It could be a mix of all three!
Stay tuned to find out what’s coming next from the Adamant Studio…
The raw adamas (acrylic) is set to arrive at the Adamant Studio tomorrow! I can’t wait!
My new distributor is VINK and their slogan “passion for plastics” caught my eye immediately. They’re significantly more expensive than my previous supplier Johnston Plastics but seeing as I’m now located in Helsinki, Finland, my options are limited. Still, I’ll do my best to keep prices affordable for all my fellow Shadowhunter fans.
So all you fantastic folks who have placed orders for this upcoming autumn, rejoice! The re-establishment of the Studio is coming together on schedule and I’ll be able to get crafting as soon as my tools arrive. I’ll keep you posted on arrival dates and my crafting progress as per usual.
Until the next update: this is the Adamant Studio signing off!
It’s happeniiiiiiing! Just placed an order last night and my new babies are on their way to me.
A nice badass belt sander …
And a big ol’ band saw.
For a tough material like acrylic, nothing of lesser calibre will do. As soon as I have these and my plastics in hand, I can get to crafting. Stay tuned for more news.
The Adamant Studio has received word that Julie is in need of a Seraph Blade to commemorate her birthday. In honour of this occasion, a short-sword has been commissioned and designed by the Studio to properly arm her against the powers of darkness.
It is now in the first stages of its creation. We will keep you posted on its progress. Until then, continue protecting your family and the nation of Norway from demonic forces. Good luck Hunter.
This is the Adamant Studio, signing off.
Hey This IS My Job 