This rapier was forged out of a steel bar. If i had a forge i think this would have been extremely easy, but i only had a can of MAPP gas and a 2lb anvil. The hand guard was forged out of a piece of brass sheet metal, and then finally once it was all soldered together (not enough heat avialable for brazing or welding) leather was wrapped around the handle. Not bad for a first, eh?