Blender Beginner Tutorial - Part 2: Sword

Introduction

This tutorial is designed for absolute beginners using Blender, focusing on modeling a sword. You will learn essential tools and techniques through practical steps, enabling you to create your own sword model while grasping foundational Blender concepts.

Step 1: Download Necessary Files

• Visit the provided link to download the project files.
• Ensure you have the correct version of Blender (4.0 or 4.1, with compatibility for 4.2).

Step 2: Familiarize with Hotkeys

• Learn the basic hotkeys to streamline your workflow:
  • G: Grab/Move
  • S: Scale
  • R: Rotate
  • E: Extrude
• Practice using these hotkeys during modeling for efficiency.

Step 3: Enter Edit Mode

• Switch to Edit Mode by pressing Tab.
• This mode allows you to manipulate the geometry of your model.

Step 4: Understand Edit Mode Selections

• Learn to select vertices, edges, and faces using:
  • 1 for vertices
  • 2 for edges
  • 3 for faces
• Use A to select all and B for box select.

Step 5: Practice Extrusion

• Select a face and press E to extrude it.
• Create the basic shape of your sword blade with multiple extrusions.

Step 6: Use Inset Tool

• Select a face and press I to inset it.
• This can add detail to your blade.

Step 7: Merge Vertices

• Select vertices that are too close together and use M to merge them.
• This helps clean up your model.

Step 8: Apply Loop Cuts

• Press Ctrl + R to add loop cuts.
• Use this tool to add more geometry for detailed shaping.

Step 9: Scale and Subdivide the Blade

• Select the blade and press S to scale it as needed.
• Use the Subdivision Surface Modifier to smooth the blade.

Step 10: Create the Blade Bevel

• Select edges and press Ctrl + B to bevel them.
• Adjust the bevel width for a more realistic edge.

Step 11: Taper the Blade

• Use the scale tool to taper the blade towards the tip.
• This can enhance the aesthetic of your sword.

Step 12: Model the Guard

• Start with a new primitive shape for the guard.
• Use extrusion and proportional editing to shape it.

Step 13: Create the Handle and Pommel

• Follow similar steps for the handle and pommel:
  • Use extrusion, merging, and beveling for detail.
  • Ensure proper connection between handle and pommel.

Step 14: Apply Materials and Textures

• Navigate to the Shading tab to apply different materials to each part of the sword.
• Use image projections and texture coordinates for detailed textures.

Step 15: Set Up Emission and Render Properties

• Configure emission settings for any glowing effects on the sword.
• Adjust render properties to prepare for final output.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, you learned to model a sword in Blender by following structured steps, from downloading files to applying materials. Continue practicing the techniques you've learned, and explore additional features in Blender to enhance your modeling skills. For further learning, check out Part 3 of the series for more advanced techniques.