The Master Swordsmith’s Collection – Time to collect

Morgul Dagger – Knife of the Nazgul (The Lord of the Rings)

TTC — Sun, 05 Nov 2023 13:03:10 +0000

The Master Swordsmith’s Collection

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.

In the shadowed depths of Mordor, amidst the malevolent forges of Morgul’s accursed armouries, there were wrought blades of dread and despair: the Morgul Daggers. In the shadows of Middle-earth, where ancient evil and malevolence reigned, the Morgul Dagger found its dreadful purpose. Wielded by the cursed Nazgûl, the servants of the Dark Lord Sauron, these daggers were instruments of terror unparalleled in their capacity to inflict suffering. The very touch of a Morgul Dagger could bring forth a mortal wound, and its vile legacy would haunt its victim’s soul until the end of days. This is the legacy we have painstakingly recreated with our Master Swordsmith Collection’s Morgul Dagger. Our Master Swordsmith, Peter Lyon, taking the incredible design seen in the trilogy of films, has meticulously recreated the Morgul Dagger – Knife of the Nazgûl. The craftsmanship remains undeniable. Each dagger retains an aura of maleficence, a testament to the dark magic from which they had sprung. This is a true collector’s piece. It stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to bringing the legends of Middle-earth to life. Each blade tells a story, and here, it’s a story of darkness and power, one that belongs in the hands of those who dare to wield this sinister masterpiece.

While the extreme ageing may be screen accurate, it may not be to everyone’s aesthetic tastes. Therefore, a softer aged finish has been made available. Please ensure you are certain of your choice upon purchase. A sword should be pleasing from all angles and not look overly heavy, nor spindly, anywhere. It’s one of those things that an artist can appraise and know they have it right, based on experience. Peter Lyon – Master Swordsmith, Wētā Workshop

PLEASE NOTE: Minor variations to weights, measurements and balance point will occur as this is a handmade sword.

Every sword is carefully packed in a beautiful wooden display case for the safest possible delivery.

Available Finishes

Sharpened Blade
Standard Satin Finish
Aged Finish
Extremely Aged Finish (Screen Accurate)

Physical Specifications:

Dimensions: 6.88″ x 26.77″ x 1.37″ (W x H x D) 17.5cm x 68cm x 3.5cm
Blade length: 18.9 in (480 mm)
Total length: 26.8 in (680 mm)
Total width, including cross guard: 6.9 in (175 mm)
Balance Point: Where the blade and cross guard meet
A Certificate of Authenticity signed by Richard Taylor and Peter Lyon will also be enclosed.
Weight: 1.631 lbs (0.74 kg)
Materials: Metal, wood, vinyl
Released: Q2-Q3 2024
Design: Daniel Falconer
Artist: Peter Lyon

Sting – Movie Version (The Lord of the Rings)

Admin — Thu, 26 Aug 2021 21:12:39 +0000

The Master Swordsmith’s Collection

Master Swordsmith Peter Lyon makes the Movie Version of Sting in exactly the same way that he made the hero sword for The Lord of the Rings in 2001. The same craftsmanship and attention to detail for which he’s revered by collectors across the world. The grip in South American cocobolo wood has been decorated with a vinyl transfer of the elven vine, exactly as the movie sword of the 2001 The Lord of the Rings trilogy. The gently curvaceous blade features etched elven runes ‘Maegnas (Sting) is my name. I am the spider’s bane’ along the central ridge. Peter Lyon also makes a Fine Art Limited Edition, where Peter just about doubles the creative process to make sure the grip is an artistic match for the elaborate blade by creating an inlaid vine made from Pure Silver instead of the vinyl transfer.

Physical Specifications:

Dimensions: 69 x 17.4 x 2.5 cm
Blade length: 490 mm
Total length: 690 mm
Weight: 1.1 kg
Materials: Metal, wood, vinyl
Released: April 2012
Design: Daniel Falconer
Artist: Peter Lyon

*The given price above is the starting price. Sword finish like aged or polished is about USD $950-990, sword sharpening is about USD $100-150 extra. Scabbards for the Master Swordsmith Collection sword could be purchased at the same time as purchasing the sword, but not after, as they needed to be made to fit together.

** Combined edition size of both Sting versions is limited to 25 swords.

Strider’s Sword (The Lord of the Rings)

Admin — Thu, 26 Aug 2021 20:52:11 +0000

The Master Swordsmith’s Collection

The sword of Strider, Ranger of the North. Chieftain of the Dunedain of the North and lost heir to the throne of Isildur, Aragorn, son of Arathorn forsook comfort and title for a life in the wilds. Adopting the name Strider, among many others, the noble ranger trusted his own skills and tools rather than the promises of others. Principal among his articles was his elegant long sword, a simple blade with neither flourish nor adornment, but reliable and keen, much like Strider himself. Strider’s sword was designed by Ben Wootten and made at Weta Workshop in New Zealand for The Lord of the Rings film trilogy by Weta’s Master Swordsmith Peter Lyon.

Physical Specifications:

Blade length: 900 mm
Total length: 1165 mm
Weight: 1.4 kg
Balance Point: 85 mm along the blade measured from the shoulders
Materials: Metal, leather
Design: Ben Wootten
Artist: Peter Lyon

Andúril – The Flame of the West (The Lord of the Rings)

Admin — Thu, 26 Aug 2021 20:27:21 +0000

The Master Swordsmith’s Collection

Andúril – The Flame of the West. Forged by Elven smiths from the shards of Narsil in the last days of the Third Age of Middle-earth, Andúril both a sword and a symbol of hope, the glory and power of the ancient kings of men restored and born into battle in the glove of Aragorn, heir to the throne of Gondor. Framed between devices of the sun and moon, Andúril bore Quenya inscriptions proclaiming its origin as Narsil, the blade that cut the Ring from Sauron’s hand. Andúril was designed by John Howe and made at Weta Workshop in New Zealand for The Lord of the Rings film trilogy by Weta’s Master Swordsmith Peter Lyon.

Physical Specifications:

Blade length: 1040mm
Total length: 1350 mm
Weight: 2,25 kg
Balance Point: 70 mm along the blade measured from the shoulders
Materials: Metal, leather
Design: John Howe
Artist: Peter Lyon
Released: July 23, 2009

Glamdring (The Lord of the Rings)

Admin — Thu, 26 Aug 2021 20:15:34 +0000

The Master Swordsmith’s Collection

Glamdring – the sword of Gandalf. An ancient blade from the smithies of Gondolin, now long lost, Glamdring was a legendary sword revered by the Elves and feared by Orcs. In the Third Age of Middle-earth it lived upon the hip of Gandalf the Grey and in his hand it sent many a servant of the dark into oblivion, chief amongst them, the mighty Balrog of Moria, Durin’s Bane. Gandalf himself had recovered it from a Troll hoard, though how it came to be there none could tell.

An elegant blade crafted in the distant past for an Elven King, Gandalf’s sword was known as Glamdring, the foe-hammer. The curved cross guard bore a single clear blue stone and a Sindarin proclamation in Cirith runes, “Turgon, king of Gondolin, wields, has and holds the sword Glamdring, foe of Morgoth’s realm, hammer to the Orcs. Glamdring was designed by Ben Wootten and made at Weta Workshop in New Zealand for The Lord of the Rings film trilogy by Master Swordsmith Peter Lyon.

Physical Specifications:

Blade length: 930 mm
Total length: 1220 mm
Weight: 1.75 kg
Balance Point: 80-100 mm along the blade measured from the shoulders. Varies dependent on blade finish
Materials: Metal, leather
Design: Ben Wootten
Artist: Peter Lyon

Sword of the Witch-King of Angmar (The Lord of the Rings)

Admin — Thu, 26 Aug 2021 20:01:57 +0000

The Master Swordsmith’s Collection

Fear was the Witch-king’s greatest weapon, and only the bravest could withstand his advance, yet more earthly tools he bore also: scythes, halberds, long knives, a great flail, and a wicked sword wrought of cursed steel. Darkened and pitted with cruel spells, the savage blade could be wielded with either single or two-handed grip. Donning black robes and armour, the Witch-king of Angmar rode from his fortress of Minas Morgul at the whim of the Dark Lord, to hunt for his enemies or bring war upon Mordor’s neighbours. In form his fiery weapon recalled the tall, straight swords of Númenor, but where they were elegant and noble in their simplicity, the torn edges and points of the Witch-king’s blade promised only death and decay. The Witch-king’s sword was designed by Warren Mahy and made at Weta Workshop in New Zealand for The Lord of the Rings film trilogy by Master Swordsmith Peter Lyon, with leatherwork crafted by expert costume technician, Darin Gordine.

The Sword of the Witch-king of Angmar is made with the same attention to detail that the swordsmiths of Middle-earth would have required. Peter Lyon took the design and created a piece of art and a usable weapon wrapped in one. A sword should be pleasing from all angles and not look overly heavy, nor spindly, anywhere. It’s one of those things that an artist can appraise and know they have it right, based on experience.The blade is made from tempered spring steel, ground to a wicked shape.Its curved crossguard is etched with darkness and its spiked pommel is fitted to a grip worked from wood, then covered with leather.The leatherwork has been hand-crafted by Darin Gordine, who contributed many of the costume components and weapons rigs for both Middle-earth trilogies. This sword is the absolute epitome of craftsmanship.

Physical Specifications

Dimensions: 9.05″ x 39.56″ x 1.96″ (W x H x D) 23 cm x 100.5 cm x 5 cm
Weight: 5.51 lbs (2.5 kg)
Blade length: 39.8 in (1012 mm)
Total length: 54.4 in (1382 mm)
Total Width: 8.1 in (206 mm)
Weight: 4.5 lbs (2.06 kg)
Balance Point: 4 in (112mm) along the blade
Materials: Metal, leather
Released: July 2018 / Sold out: August 28, 2020
Design: Ben Wootten
Artist: Peter Lyon, Darin Gordine

The Sword of Boromir (The Lord of the Rings)

Admin — Thu, 26 Aug 2021 16:36:35 +0000

The Master Swordsmith’s Collection

Sturdy and broad-bladed, Boromir’s sword was forged by the smiths of Minas Tirith specifically for the Steward of Gondor’s eldest son. Strong and valiant, Boromir wielded the heavy blade one-handed, with shield clutched in his off hand or horn raised to his lips. A single, wide fuller ran almost to the tip of the blade, while the elegantly curved crossguard was twisted, ending in brass-ringed caps matching the sword’s wide pommel. The grip of the weapon was wrapped in rich brown leather, matching the scabbard in which it hung and the round shield Gondor’s favourite son wore upon his back.

Boromir’s sword was designed by Ben Wootten and made at Weta Workshop in New Zealand for The Lord of the Rings film trilogy by master swordsmith Peter Lyon. The sixth sword in Weta’s Master Swordsmith’s Collection, the Sword of Boromir is made with the same attention to detail that the swordsmiths of Middle-earth would have required. Peter Lyon took the design and created a piece of art and a usable weapon wrapped in one. A selection of finishes are available. Our authentic prop replicas and collectibles are designed by the very same artists who have worked on the three films, so effectively they come straight from Middle-earth. This sword and its accessories are the absolute epitome of craftsmanship.

Physical Specifications:

Dimensions: 9.05″ x 39.56″ x 1.96″ (W x H x D) 23 cm x 100.5 cm x 5 cm
Blade length: 790 mm
Total length: 1,005 mm
Total Width: 195 mm
Weight: 5.51 lbs (2.5 kg)
Balance Point: (about) 40 mm along the blade from the handguard
Materials: Metal, leather
Released: May 2017
Design: Ben Wootten
Artist: Peter Lyon

Sting – Fine Art Edition (The Lord of the Rings)

Admin — Thu, 26 Aug 2021 16:16:14 +0000

The Master Swordsmith’s Collection

The Fine Art Limited Edition

Found in a Trolls’ hoard by Bilbo Baggins, Sting was an ancient Elven blade from the lost realm of Gondolin. Bilbo carried it through many adventures, naming it and having it inscribed with Elvish script. Magical enchantments it held, glowing blue when Orcs were near. For long years, Sting gathered dust in the old Hobbit’s cupboards until need arose to unsheathe its keen edge once more and he presented it to his young cousin Frodo Baggins in Rivendell. Frodo would carry it with him toward Mordor, and it would save his life more than once before the end. Sting was designed by Daniel Falconer and made at Weta Workshop in New Zealand for The Lord of the Rings film trilogy by Master Swordsmith Peter Lyon. Back by popular demand, this incredible sword encompasses the very highest level of sword making, metal crafting and wood working techniques. Our authentic prop replicas and collectibles are designed by the very same artists who have worked on the three films, so effectively they come straight from Middle-earth.Sting marries the cutting edge (literally) of modern precision engineering with ancient and all but forgotten techniques. While the blade was made in Weta’s smithy using time-honoured traditional techniques and great skill, the grip is also a testament to Man’s mastery of the machine.

15 years ago when the original prop was made for The Lord of the Rings trilogy, the technology wasn’t available to create a grip quite like the one Daniel Falconer designed for Sting. But since then, technology has brought Modern Man just a few inches closer to the skills of the Elven swordsmiths of old. Peter Lyon therefore proposed an embellishment upon the original prop design. This is Sting the way the swordsmiths of the lost realm of Gondolin would have made it. Peter took what was a world class hero sword in 2001 and improved it considerably in 2012. It’s the Weta way. The grip chosen fifteen years ago for Sting was South American cocobolo wood. A dense and fine grained wood, deep in colour and with a waxy, grippy feel to it.

Little did Peter realise at the time that those qualities also made it eminently suited to the finest and cleanest cuts using computer aided milling. The 2001 Sting had the elven vine applied as a vinyl transfer. The 2016 Sting Fine Art Limited Edition has had the elven vine pattern machined into the grip with ultra-fine precision and the same pattern is then used to wire-cut a Fine Silver inlay. Fine Silver is the purest grade of Silver, softer and cleaner in colour than Sterling silver. Wire-cutting is a technique that allows for incredibly accurate bends and the sharpest of corners and angles. Precisely what Daniel Falconer’s beautiful design requires. Peter Lyon then spends three whole days – almost as long as for the rest of the sword – on each grip carefully working the silver vine into the groove in the wood under a magnifying glass. This is a zero tolerance process. The gently curvaceous blade features etched elven runes ‘Maegnas (Sting) is my name. I am the spider’s bane’ along the central ridge. This sword is the absolute epitome of craftsmanship.

Physical Specifications:

Dimensions: 69 x 17.4 x 2.5 cm
Blade length: 19.3 in (490 mm)
Total length: 27.2 in (690 mm)
Total Width: 6.9 in (174 mm)
Weight: 2.5 lbs (1.12 kg)
Materials: Metal, wood
Released: April 2012
Design: Daniel Falconer
Artist: Peter Lyon
Balance Point: 2 in (50 mm) along the blade, measured from the shoulder

** Combined edition size of both Sting versions is limited to 25 swords.

Orcrist (The Hobbit)

Admin — Thu, 26 Aug 2021 13:58:06 +0000

The Master Swordsmith’s Edition

Forged long ago in the lost Elf kingdom of Gondolin, Orcrist, the ‘goblin cleaver’, was a legendary blade, well known to the wise of Middle-earth and infamous among their enemies. Having disappeared for centuries, the sword would reappear in, of all places, a Troll hoard, where, among the detritus and ruin, it catches the eye of Thorin Oakenshield. No finer sword could a king of any race wish for.

Orcrist was designed by Weta Workshop senior concept designer Paul Tobin and made at Weta Workshop in New Zealand for The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey by Master Swordsmith Peter Lyon. The fifth sword in Weta’s Master Swordsmith’s Collection, Orcrist takes swordmaking even further than previous swords in the series. A single-edged blade, it encompasses a multitude of swordmaking and metal-crafting techniques. Orcrist is made with the same attention to detail that the swordsmiths of the lost realm of Gondolin would have required. Peter Lyon took Paul Tobin’s design and created a piece of art and a usable weapon wrapped in one. The blade is made from tempered spring steel and the dragon’s tooth grip is cast from CC60 urethane, painted and sealed under resin. On the cross is the name “Orcrist” etched in runes and the gently curvaceous blade, ground from spring steel, features etched elven runes stating “The Serpent’s Tooth”. On the pommel are four cubic zirconia gemstones inlaid.

Our authentic prop replicas and collectibles are designed by the very same artists who have worked on the three films, so effectively they come straight from Middle-earth.

Physical Specifications:

Dimensions: 7.87″ x 49.21″ x 1.96″ (W x H x D) 20 cm x 125 cm x 5 cm
Weight: 6.39 lbs (2.9 kg)
Blade length: 37.0 in (940 mm)
Total length: 49.2 in (1250 mm)
Total Width: 7.9 in (200 mm)
Weight: 6.4 lbs (2.92 kg)
Balance Point: 2.8 in (70 mm) along the blade, measured from the tip on the hand guard (see image on left)
Materials: Metal, urethane, resin, cubic zirconia, oak (scabbard), leather (belt)
Released: May 2017
Design: Paul Tobin
Artist: Peter Lyon
Later increased to USD $11550

PLEASE NOTE: Any extras such as scabbard and belt MUST be ordered and confirmed at the same time as you place your sword order as these are bespoke items and unique to each sword.

The Sword of Eowyn (The Lord of the Rings)

Admin — Thu, 26 Aug 2021 13:41:15 +0000

The Master Swordsmith’s Collection

While her brother Éomer was Chief Marshal of the Riddermark, the Lady Éowyn held no formal position within her kingdom’s military. Even so, the Lady of Rohan trained with both sword and shield and was as courageous as any man in her uncle’s service. When the armies of the West went to war at Minas Tirith Éowyn would not be restrained. Donning helm and hauberk, she rode to battle disguised among their ranks as a man, her sword girded at her side.

Éowyn’s sword was designed by Warren Mahy and made at Weta Workshop in New Zealand for The Lord of the Rings film trilogy by Master Swordsmith Peter Lyon, with leatherwork crafted by expert costume technician, Darin Gordine. It has been recreated by these same artists in collectible form. With cast bronze furnishing and a crossguard fashioned in the likeness of horses, the sword is unmistakably one from the Rohirrim. Each of the races within Tolkien’s story, as seen on screen, were designed to have their own unique aesthetic, intended to keep them distinct from one another in the eyes of the audience. Decorative elements in the armour and weaponry of the Rohirrim army were inspired by Celtic artefacts and bear signature forms derived from real world La Tène art, combined with sun and horse iconography particular to Rohan.

Éowyn’s sword is short, with a broad blade and single wide fuller, befitting someone of smaller stature. Yet it also suggests the Lady of Rohan was surprisingly strong for her size. The blade is made from tempered spring steel, ground into a point that was destined to fell the darkness before her. The crossguard and pommel are made from solid bronze with a reddish hue that mellows towards gold as it ages. The wooden grip is covered with leather and decorated intricately with three bronze rings. This sword is the absolute epitome of craftsmanship.

Physical Specifications:

Dimensions: 9.05″ x 39.56″ x 1.96″ (W x H x D) 23 cm x 100.5 cm x 5 cm
Blade length: 30.7 in (780 mm)
Total length: 36.8 in (935 mm)
Total width, including crossguard: 4.7 in (120 mm)
Weight: 3.6 lbs (1.54 kg)
Balance point: 4 in (105 mm) along the blade
Weight: 1.54 kg
Materials: Metal, leather
Announced; June 25, 2020 / Pre-order: November 14, 2020 / Released: 2021
Design: Warren Mahy
Artist: Peter Lyon

*The given price above is the starting price. Sword finish like aged or polished is about USD $990, sword sharpening is about USD $100-150 extra. Scabbards for the Master Swordsmith Collection sword could be purchased at the same time as purchasing the sword, but not after, as they needed to be made to fit together.