in spots, weak enough that it could fail under enough stress. As one of the last processes in fabricating a sword is quenching and tempering it. Quenching hardens the metal so it holds an edge longer but this also makes it very brittle. To restore some ductility and durability the sword is tempered. With swords, due to their length, the challenge is greater as in a typical quenching it is possible to bend or warp the blade if it is not introduced to the quenchant smoothly and evenly. Swords could also be differentially hardened so that some parts, like the cutting edge, are harder than the body. Finishing Finishing encompasses polishing, decorating, and crafting and assembling the hilt, guard and sheath. The swordsmith would be most concerned with the state of the blade itself and possibly decorating the blade and preparing the guards and pommel. Other artisans would likely be involved in the work of fashioning the hilt, sheath and other furniture; and in any fine decoration. Modern sword making Swords are still being made by modern artisans. Some pursue the traditional methods while others apply modern tools, techniques and materials to the craft. The vast majority of commercially available swords have been made with modern tools and materials as it brings greater profit and less time than hand forging. Most commercially available swords have been manufactured by stock removal. See also Sharpening Japanese swordsmithing References External links Anvilfire.com Armory Articles: Several good articles on sword making link from this page. As Ancient An Art As Sword Making: Helps dispel the myth of the superior sword. Swordsmiths Metalworking