A few iterations on the Samurai sword design...

 


Now I had completed the design for the arms and hands of the Robo Samurai, I wanted to wrap up the upper half and design the sword. I searched Google images and Pinterest for references of classic Samurai swords. Here is some of what I found...


I used the photos above to draw the following designs...

Above, I started with the lightly drawn sword furthest to the left. Then looking at my mood board I realised these types of swords are slightly curved so I drew the design to the right. This had too much of a curve (looking more like a pirate sword) and again on closer inspection, I realised the handles also tend to follow the curve of the blade. 

Moving to the right I tried again, this was better but still quite simple. Next up I flattened the metal circle at the top of the handle, made the base of the handle thicker and added an engraved shape at the base of the blade. I also spent a bit more time rendering the pattern on the handle. 

I considered trying a different pattern or design on the handle but this is very iconic and I wanted the type of sword to be obvious and not be mistaken for a something else. So baring this in mind, I tried one final time, slightly shortening the blade, as well as the circular part at the top of the handle and I also made the base of the handle smaller this time round.  

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