I made this (currently working on a scabbard) and am trying to texture it in Bryce. I think I did the job on on the pommel, handle and guard. But the blade presents a problem. I created a bump map (monochromatic noise, motion blur) in Photoshop, but somehow I can't get the brushed texture a real sword has. Tried various reflection and specularity and metallicity settings, but no luck. Anybody has any idea how to go about it?

A highly polished sword would actually have a mirrored suface, you could try that. (I at least mine do when I get around to polishing them, the nicks are the only things that don't)...

Oooh Zhann you collect swords too? I have a few plus a suit of chainmail I've made.

Yes, I have a couple of fantasy swords, a Witchking, Glamdring, and a two handed Scottish Claymore...plus two full size crossbows. The Claymore is a family sword, royal and hunting steward are our family plaids...:c)

I'll try for a polished mirrored surface, although I was looking more for a "working sword" appearance. You know, metal dulled a bit, with signs it has been used. BTW, does this sword of mine look any good? This is the sword with 71 reflectivity on the blade.

Almost there IMHO...for a working sword, or one thats not been taken care of, try a pewter finish, might be what you'tre looking for...and yes, it looks good, if the hilt was longer it be a Claymore...:)

the hilt does look a little on the small side. I would expect to see a sword like that with a hilt that has room for two hands.

Attached Link: http://perso.club-internet.fr/lemog/lemog_textures/metal_toles.htm

I've made metal texture tests a while ago. Metal is generally not as smooth as the default Bryce ones. I would use a brushed pewter textures with a bitmap texture used as bump and maybe diffusion/diffuse color map. Also reduce reflexion if you want the Check out the attached site for tileable metal textures. I've had good results with these.

Eh, the third time is the charm. This answer hit the bit bucket twice now. Yes, I have to shorten the blade, because it's supposed to be a longsword, not a two-hander. Thanks for the textures. There's irony in the fact that I used one of the metal textures from there for the guard. :-) I found something. What does it mean "acier bross, if you know?

I think Hammered Steel might be the translation. Not absolute sure though! I also think you might want to extend the groove further down the blade. good taper.

In regards to your textures, I think they have some good potential. I am wondering if I am seeing the hilt right though. It looks to me as if it's made out of plastic or something. If that's the intent, excellent. As for the blade, usually the ones I've seen are more polished and act more as mirrors getting their colors from their surroundings rather than themselves. Their edges are more the brushed metal look due to the sharpening they go through... depending on how it's sharpened. Just a thought to help out.

Attached Link: http://www.swordforum.com/wallpapers/swordofprayer-800.jpg

Well, now you can see the original. It appears I'm not that close as I thought. The blade doesn't need shortening (much), but it does have a shinier texture and a longer groove. I'm reworking it completely. And the handle has even more plastic texture than mine. :-) I used a combination of Bryce plankwood texture and a leather photo. What makes it shiny is Ambient colour. I tried putting black, but you can't see the texture then. Thanks for the suggestions, everybody. BTW, if you're interested, the inscription on the guard comes from Psalm 16 from the Bible. I simply like such double meanings on weapons. :-)

I see what you mean, but my gut feel is there would still be balance issues. interesting site.

I don't know much about swords, but I think that the balance is solved by the thinness of the blade. When I first saw the sword, I was a bit surprised how thin the blade is for such a shape of a sword. If you want links, I have a couple more sites with swords and other medieval weapons.

That is one of the ways to do it. It is an interesting site, thanks for the pointer.

Attached Link: http://216.245.165.123/cgi-bin/www11651.storefront

Also check out Atlanta Cutlery Museum Replicas (link), and www.budkww.com, for reference in swords, daggers, axes,chainmail, etc. Zhann