well, i forged the blade to as close as i could get it. i just basicly upset the end that curves by like 1/4" from the rest of the blade then started on the distal taper , when i finished forging i profiled with the grinding wheel then the belt grinder. finished sanding by hand. the guard is forged rough then belt sanded , i used a punch to make the hole the end cap was made the same way but i used a smaller punch, then i peened it over. the fittings are etched in viniger.