Hmm, here goes. Do you want a steel or a bronze sword?
Bronze swords are cast in stone moulds (hence sword in the stone idea)and then sharpened up.
Steel or in those days iron blades where a different kettle of fish. You start out with a layers of metal in different directions like downwards and then across, then heat together, sandwiching them as a bar. This bar is then beaten to a very thin blade. Oh bother this would be so much easier with diagrams. You also need a forge, an anvil, hammer and blacksmith/swordsmith. The blade is made separate to the hilt which is rivetted on afterwards. The blade itself is then ground to a v.sharp edge but that bits obvious, in fact forget my attempts to describe this, I know exactly what I mean (I've even had a go) but I can't describe in adaquately. You'll be better off asking at one of those web sites already mentioned. Sorry, this is useless to you. I could lend you my broadsword or gallus perhaps. I watched my broadsword being made. I can't actually lift it because I am a particularly weedy girl. The gallus is not really any use in Middle Earth unless you're also a 'Gladiator' fan. I really am rambling aren't I? I'll try and find some better information for you. Sorry.
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Auriel
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