The tradition of fine swordsmithing
Our ancestors believed that steel was enchanted with magical properties when following the ritual of heat treatment. Today, we’ve changed our language from "ritual" to "procedure" and "magical properties" to "material science" as we’ve learnt more about atomic structures. However it's described, they figured it out and we follow in their footsteps.
A hard blade will shatter, a soft blade won't hold an edge, just right and it'll act like a sword. This delicate balance is one of the skills our swordsmiths require to make accurately representative blades for our hero props. A Wētā Workshop Master Sword is the epitome of craftsmanship.
Project gallery
To own a sword from the Master Swordsmith’s Collection is to possess more than just a collectible — it is to hold a true masterpiece, crafted with skill, tradition and a reverence for the art of storytelling.
The tradition of fine swordsmithing
Our ancestors believed that steel was enchanted with magical properties when following the ritual of heat treatment. Today, we’ve changed our language from "ritual" to "procedure" and "magical properties" to "material science" as we’ve learnt more about atomic structures. However it's described, they figured it out and we follow in their footsteps.
A hard blade will shatter, a soft blade won't hold an edge, just right and it'll act like a sword. This delicate balance is one of the skills our swordsmiths require to make accurately representative blades for our hero props. A Wētā Workshop Master Sword is the epitome of craftsmanship.
Project gallery
To own a sword from the Master Swordsmith’s Collection is to possess more than just a collectible — it is to hold a true masterpiece, crafted with skill, tradition and a reverence for the art of storytelling.
Each piece in the Master Swordsmith’s Collection upholds a legacy of artistry while advancing the tradition of fine swordsmithing. Guided by the expertise of master swordsmith Peter Lyon, Wētā Workshop’s master swordsmith Chris Menges and senior sword maker Orgo Dacombe-Bird continue to elevate collectible craftsmanship, blending ancient techniques with cutting-edge precision. Ensuring these unique artisanal skills are not lost to time, the skilled hands of his apprentices and fellow craftsmen carry forward this enduring legacy, applying their deep knowledge of steel, leather, and metals to each unique creation.
Crafting Sting
Sting represents the pinnacle of modern precision engineering, seamlessly integrated with the ancient art of traditional swordsmithing. The blade itself, forged in Wētā Workshop’s smithy, is crafted using time-honoured techniques, while the grip showcases a perfect balance between age-old craftsmanship and the highest standards of contemporary machine mastery.
The chosen material, cocobolo wood from South America, is both dense and finely grained, with a deep, waxy feel ideal for a firm grip. In 2001, this wood’s intricate elven vine design was applied as a vinyl transfer; however, the Master Swordsmith’s Collection takes this concept to a new level. Using precision milling, the vine motif is now carved directly into the wood, allowing for an intricate inlay of Fine Silver. This inlay process requires expert wire-cutting, which offers unparalleled accuracy to produce sharp corners and precise bends that align perfectly with its Elven design.
Dedicating three days of focused craftsmanship to each grip, the silver vine pattern is embedded into the cocobolo under a magnifying lens. This process leaves no room for error — achieving a perfect fit is essential for the silver to blend seamlessly into the wood.
The blade itself is inscribed with delicate elven runes along its central ridge, bearing the message, ‘Maegnas (Sting) is my name. I am the spider's bane.’ With its graceful curve, Sting is the ultimate marriage of beauty, artistry, and meticulous craftsmanship — capturing the legendary spirit of its origins while exemplifying Wētā Workshop’s commitment to creating truly remarkable pieces.
Crafting the Sword of Éowyn
The Sword of Éowyn is another shining example of our commitment to historical accuracy and thematic depth. Originally designed by Warren Mahy and forged by master swordsmith Peter Lyon, with leatherwork by costume technician Darin Gordine, this remarkable weapon has been faithfully recreated in collectible form by the same masterful hands.
With its cast bronze fittings and a crossguard sculpted in the likeness of horses, Éowyn’s sword is distinctly Rohirric. Each race in Tolkien’s world was given its own visual language on screen, and the aesthetic of Rohan is no exception. Drawing from Celtic influences and La Tène art, the sword is adorned with motifs inspired by sun and horse iconography, evoking the spirit of the horse-lords.
This compact, broad-bladed sword with its single wide fuller is perfectly suited to Éowyn’s strength and stature. Crafted from tempered spring steel, the blade’s point is as purposeful as its wielder, designed to strike with precision. The crossguard and pommel, made of solid bronze, bear a rich reddish hue that mellows to a soft gold with time, while the wooden grip — wrapped in leather and accented by three intricate bronze rings — captures both elegance and strength.
The collectible recreation of Éowyn’s sword honours the legacy of Wētā Workshop’s craftsmanship and the enduring beauty of the Rohirrim’s unique artistry.
Owning a Master Swordsmith’s Collection piece
Exclusivity lies at the heart of the Master Swordsmith’s Collection. Each piece is meticulously hand-crafted in extremely limited quantity, often only around 25 of each, and accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity signed by the very artists who brought it to life. This rare status, coupled with the extraordinary level of craftsmanship, transforms these swords into coveted works of art.
Additionally enhancing each piece is our extensive experience in film production, shaping the high standards we uphold in crafting each blade, and ensuring that every sword faithfully reflects the artistry and legacy of its original design. The Master Swordsmith’s Collection is a journey from screen to showcase, where each piece is crafted to bring iconic weapons to life.
To own a sword from the Master Swordsmith’s Collection is to possess more than just a collectible — it is to hold a true masterpiece, crafted with skill, tradition, and a reverence for the art of storytelling. From the legendary Sting to the iconic Sword of Éowyn, these swords capture the essence of their origins with unmatched detail and artistry. With each piece, Wētā Workshop invites collectors to experience the finest in sword-making, preserving stories that continue to inspire and connect us across generations.
Each piece in the Master Swordsmith’s Collection upholds a legacy of artistry while advancing the tradition of fine swordsmithing. Guided by the expertise of master swordsmith Peter Lyon, Wētā Workshop’s master swordsmith Chris Menges and senior sword maker Orgo Dacombe-Bird continue to elevate collectible craftsmanship, blending ancient techniques with cutting-edge precision. Ensuring these unique artisanal skills are not lost to time, the skilled hands of his apprentices and fellow craftsmen carry forward this enduring legacy, applying their deep knowledge of steel, leather, and metals to each unique creation.
Every sword in the collection is a meticulously crafted work of art, from the honed blade to the hand-finished grip. These heirloom pieces offer collectors a rare connection to the artistry behind iconic weaponry. Through the dedication and skill of our team, each sword becomes a story in steel — a legend brought to life with uncompromising quality and a profound respect for the craft.
Crafting Sting
Sting represents the pinnacle of modern precision engineering, seamlessly integrated with the ancient art of traditional swordsmithing. The blade itself, forged in Wētā Workshop’s smithy, is crafted using time-honoured techniques, while the grip showcases a perfect balance between age-old craftsmanship and the highest standards of contemporary machine mastery.
The chosen material, cocobolo wood from South America, is both dense and finely grained, with a deep, waxy feel ideal for a firm grip. In 2001, this wood’s intricate elven vine design was applied as a vinyl transfer; however, the Master Swordsmith’s Collection takes this concept to a new level. Using precision milling, the vine motif is now carved directly into the wood, allowing for an intricate inlay of Fine Silver. This inlay process requires expert wire-cutting, which offers unparalleled accuracy to produce sharp corners and precise bends that align perfectly with its Elven design.
Dedicating three days of focused craftsmanship to each grip, the silver vine pattern is embedded into the cocobolo under a magnifying lens. This process leaves no room for error — achieving a perfect fit is essential for the silver to blend seamlessly into the wood.
The blade itself is inscribed with delicate elven runes along its central ridge, bearing the message, ‘Maegnas (Sting) is my name. I am the spider's bane.’ With its graceful curve, Sting is the ultimate marriage of beauty, artistry, and meticulous craftsmanship — capturing the legendary spirit of its origins while exemplifying Wētā Workshop’s commitment to creating truly remarkable pieces.
Crafting the Sword of Éowyn
The Sword of Éowyn is another shining example of our commitment to historical accuracy and thematic depth. Originally designed by Warren Mahy and forged by master swordsmith Peter Lyon, with leatherwork by costume technician Darin Gordine, this remarkable weapon has been faithfully recreated in collectible form by the same masterful hands.
With its cast bronze fittings and a crossguard sculpted in the likeness of horses, Éowyn’s sword is distinctly Rohirric. Each race in Tolkien’s world was given its own visual language on screen, and the aesthetic of Rohan is no exception. Drawing from Celtic influences and La Tène art, the sword is adorned with motifs inspired by sun and horse iconography, evoking the spirit of the horse-lords.
This compact, broad-bladed sword with its single wide fuller is perfectly suited to Éowyn’s strength and stature. Crafted from tempered spring steel, the blade’s point is as purposeful as its wielder, designed to strike with precision. The crossguard and pommel, made of solid bronze, bear a rich reddish hue that mellows to a soft gold with time, while the wooden grip — wrapped in leather and accented by three intricate bronze rings — captures both elegance and strength.
The collectible recreation of Éowyn’s sword honours the legacy of Wētā Workshop’s craftsmanship and the enduring beauty of the Rohirrim’s unique artistry.
Owning a Master Swordsmith’s Collection piece
Exclusivity lies at the heart of the Master Swordsmith’s Collection. Each piece is meticulously hand-crafted in extremely limited quantity, often only around 25 of each, and accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity signed by the very artists who brought it to life. This rare status, coupled with the extraordinary level of craftsmanship, transforms these swords into coveted works of art.
Additionally enhancing each piece is our extensive experience in film production, shaping the high standards we uphold in crafting each blade, and ensuring that every sword faithfully reflects the artistry and legacy of its original design. The Master Swordsmith’s Collection is a journey from screen to showcase, where each piece is crafted to bring iconic weapons to life.
From the legendary Sting to the iconic Sword of Éowyn, these swords capture the essence of their origins with unmatched detail and artistry. With each piece, Wētā Workshop invites collectors to experience the finest in sword-making, preserving stories that continue to inspire and connect us across generations.
Related projects
Warhammer 40,000
The Masters Collection
Lore Olympus
Consumer products • Design • Manufacture • Vinyl figures • Statues
Related projects
Warhammer 40,000
The Masters Collection
Lore Olympus
Consumer products • Design • Manufacture • Vinyl figures • Statues