At long last, I have updated my tutorial on how to make Seraph Blades. Now you can see precisely how I make my creations. If you’ve got the tools and the tenacity, you too can play the part of an Iron Sister!
Updated Seraph Blade Tutorial
Tag: Updates
What’s on Ethan’s table this week?
The Studio is crazy busy this week and all crafting slots are currently full! There’s only one person waiting in the queue though, so don’t get too discouraged. It won’t be long.
This week I’m working on the behemoth that is Michael. This is a new model that is based on the Shadowhunters TV series. It’ll be equipped with an LED, a faux-leather wrapped hilt, and runes.
The Azrael sitting beside it is destined for an LED, a genuine leather wrap and engraved runes.
The two new models you can see there have a very exciting future ahead of them. The dagger is a leaf-blade. Tricky to make but very easy on the eyes. The curvy sword beside it is an extra special project that I’ve always wanted to try my hand at. Bet you can’t guess what it is! I’ll give you a hint: the design is from the Far East. 😉
There is one additional item on my work table and that is visiting Nibbles the Band-Saw today! It is sure to surprise you because it has nothing to do with The Mortal Instruments. *Gasp* I know. I do other stuff? When did this happen?
Stay tuned for breaking (hopefully not literally) news on my latest arts and crafts her on This IS my Job. Catch ya later!
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Azrael gets SHINY
Awwwww yes look at what just came out of the studio today!
This Azrael is equipped with a genuine leather grip done in silver and black, colours inspired by the TV show. Of course, it has my own little twist.
Lookin’ super srs as I concentrate on taking a good photo. As you can see, the glow is noticeable even in a brightly lit room. But let’s take it in the dark shall we?
All bathroom selfies should have a sword. As you can see, because I left the pommel uncovered by the leather, you get a nice little crescent of light there where it reflects off the fan-shaped crest.
Unintentionally Silent Brother kind of shot going on here… Azrael provides its own dramatic lighting.
How about the mechanics behind the magic?
Here we have my go-to illuminator: the Flatlight (TM). I’ve removed the keychain that comes with it and put in a small length of elastic cord for easy retrieval. Without this aid, it’s a bit of a pain to extract the light since it fits so snugly. The flap shuts with a simple Velcro closure. Now you see it …
… now you don’t!
As this beauty wings its way toward the USA, a new project gets shifted up to my worktable. I now have all crafting slots full and one project in the queue. Stay tuned for more crafting adventures! Coming up, we have rune engraving, the longest of longswords, two never-before-seen new designs, and a long awaited secret project…
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Chewie Bit Me!
Owie! For some reason, the Azrael model likes to take blood sacrifices from me when I’m working on the hilt. I’d best change the way I do that unless I want Chewie the belt sander on a high-protein diet. Who knows what it will do if it gets a taste for human flesh! Dooooooom!
Yeah, Chewie pretty much just took a layer or two of skin off my finger when I looked at the clock for a second. Remember guys: never look away from your machine! It waits for you to let your guard down and then … chomp!
Anywho, I’m a big boy. I’ll be fine. I just have to wear gloves for a bit to keep the plastic particles out.
In other news, I have filled my last crafting slot so we are currently at capacity in the Studio at the moment. All the same, feel free to send inquiries. You can still nab the first spot in line. I should have a slot open next week when I finish up this looooovely LED equipped Azrael. Pics coming soon. 😉
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New Blade for Nibbles
Hurrah! My bandsaw is up and running again! Not precisely my choice of blade but it was all that was available. Hopefully, they will get the wood/metal bi-metal blades in stock soon.
We’ve got a brand new Azrael just off the saw and ready for first shaping.
We’ve got a fully polished Azrael in a … ugly sweater? Hehe, nope! It’s an old pair of fuzzy socks I bind around the blade to protect it while I fit the leather grip on the handle.
This is just in the initial stages of shaping but I think the diagonal lines really accentuate the sword’s shape.
We also have a HOLY CRAP LOOK AT THE SIZE OF THAT THING! What’s it called? How long is it? Will it be lit? Engraved?
Well, you’ll just have to wait and see. Stay tuned for more swordy goodness. 😉
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Nibbles has a Boo-Boo
So, this is a quick note to let you all know that the blade of my band-saw snapped yesterday while I was cutting out an Azrael. Sadly, the store that sells the replacement blades currently has none in stock. I have ordered some, but I’m afraid any new orders will have to wait until I receive my order. I’ll tell you when they arrive.
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Ouriel and Remiel
A short sword and matching dagger. The first of the LED-equipped blades that I have released. I’m proud to present to you Ouriel and Remiel!
Hidden under the leather is a button that sits just under the middle fingers of the left and right hand. With a little pressure in the right spot, the blades light up as though by the wielder’s will alone.
Magic! Yeah, yeah, I know. “Show us more pictures Ethan!”
And this is why Shadowhunters wear black. The rest of me is there. Promise.
Alright, let’s get to the machinery behind the magic.
The interior of the hilt is hollow. To access the light, you simply open the pommel, push it back, and grasp the small handle of the fitting and pull it out. The white fitting holds the light in place and prevents it from rattling around inside the sword.
Here I’ve tugged the handle up a bit for you to see how it fits in.
Let’s roll back in time a little so you can see what the guts look like without the leather cover. I drilled a hole where the flashlight button sits when it’s inside the sword. Then I formed the fitting around it and created a button of a firm polymer clay. The white button bridges the gap between the leather under your fingers, and the switch on the flashlight so you can turn it on without needing to move or open anything.
I enjoyed working on these blades and I have to admit, they challenged me at every turn. I’d like to do some more playing with the orientation of the lights in the future and see if I can work out an easier installation method.
If you’d like an illuminated Seraph Blade of your own, feel free to stop by my Buyer’s Guide and browse the options!
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A Sneak Peek at Glowing Blades
Everything is going according to plan mwahahahahaha! I mean … yay! Here’s Ouriel being fabulous as per usual. Leather handle shaping is coming up next. Stay tuned!
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Busy Days at the Studio!
Here’s a peek at what’s going on at the Adamant Studio. On the left sits a newly re-shaped Gabriel short sword. On the right is an Ouriel and its matching dagger, Remiel, both with slots cut and drilled for LEDs. These are the FIRST light-up blades to come out of the Studio and I’m super excited about the progress.
In the middle is a never-before-seen short sword that I’ve been keeping a secret for weeks now and code-named “Spinner”. The reason for the secrecy? It was a present for my wife’s birthday!
You might say she was a little excited.
Continue reading “Busy Days at the Studio!”
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The Lights Come On
Yesss, things are lighting up in the Adamant Studio! Here are some progress shots of Ramiel and Ouriel shaped and fitted for lights.
I currently have to engage the light with a pencil as crafting the button comes at a later stage. But you can certainly get a feel for what they will look like when finished.
Continue reading “The Lights Come On”
