This is my first sword. I’d like feedback on what I’m doing wrong or right.

I’m a very self‑taught smith, and back in September I decided to try making my first sword. It’s come a long way, but it’s still unfinished, and I’d like to know if I’m on the right track.

The blade is made from a truck leaf spring. It hasn’t been hardened or heat‑treated yet — I’m still working through the rough grinding. It’s probably thicker than it needs to be since I was being overly cautious.

The sword is 46" overall (34.5" blade, 11.5" tang). I want it to be technically functional when finished, so I’m wondering when I should start thinking seriously about balance and weight distribution.

Sorry if this reads a little awkward or the pictures are bad. I don’t get on the internet like this very often.

 

Shape looks good, tang might be a little thin, and leaving the bolt hole crates a really bad weak spot.  

How wide is the sword?  How heavy?  Were you making a specific model?

All of that information is going to affect where you want the center of gravity. 

The closer to your hand,  the easier the top is to control, farther away better for chop and slash.

 

 

Welcome. 

If you would fill out your header and let us know where in the great big world you are at. Dont have to be specific Just a general area. It does help when you have questions. 

But as to your question, i would wait until after heat treating. "Forge it thick, grind it thin for a blade to win." is an old saying about making knives. So since you have it thick still, you will have a lot of grinding to do yet. That is when i would start thinking about balance and the like. 

Anyway, i am no bladesmith, just my thoughts on it, take it for what you will.