FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ABOUT PETER LYON
Where did you learn to work with metal and make swords?
I learned by trial and error in the 1980s as there were very few resources at the time – no internet! I had basic skills when I started but no trades background. When I got stuck I would ask professionals like metal spring makers for guidance.
Do you fight or spar with swords yourself?
Not any more, but I was involved in medieval reenactment from the 1980s until about 2010, including combat and jousting. Today I still do reenactment with the local Society for Creative Anachronism group, but at a much gentler pace!
What do you do in your work for Wētā Workshop?
I am the master swordsmith for Wētā Workshop, and started there in 1998 on The Lord of the Rings film trilogy. I have been there ever since making swords and other props for films, including making limited edition collectibles of the original Lord of the Rings film swords.
Do you give talks or appear at conventions?
I have given talks and appeared at conventions including Comic Con as part of the Wētā Workshop team. I do still give occasional talks. But they are rarer now due to being busy, and I travel a lot less than I used to.
Do you teach classes or take apprentices?
This is something I have thought about a lot, but I don’t teach classes as my home workshop is tiny and only set up for one person, and I cannot bring people into Wētā Workshop due to confidentiality. I have an apprentice at Wētā Workshop, Chris Menges, who will take over when I retire, and have another helper who is keen to step up as well. Otherwise I’m not able to take on anyone as an apprentice, as it is a major commitment on both sides, and I don’t have the time to train anyone else.
What are your three favourite swords?
My very favourite sword ever is Excalibur – because it isn’t just a sword. It is the legendary epitome of everything a sword should be, however it is envisaged (historical, fantasy, symbol of strength and justice, or anything in between),
My favourite film sword is the two handed sword of Orieus from The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, as it is a big two handed sword with a lot of detail, and was very satisfying to make.
From The Lord of the Rings comes my second favourite: Aragorn’s sword Andúril, the reforged sword Narsil. It is also a two handed sword, combining the classic European cruciform hilt with details that make it stand out, and is central to the story of The Lord of the Rings.
If you’d like to learn more about me, see my biography on this site.
I emailed you a request and I haven’t had a reply. When will you get back to me?
For emails and messages, I don’t get them on my smartphone. My day job and my weekends are active and physical – I can’t take messages in the middle of working with hot metal. I wait until I’m sitting at my laptop at the end of the day or on the weekend. So please be patient, thank you.
SWORDS AND COMMISSIONS
NOTE: Commisions are CLOSED
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How are your commissions different from your Wētā Workshop work?
My work for Wētā Workshop is to be part of a process where the designs are done for us and my job is to make the item as part of a larger team. I also make replicas of the original LOTR film swords in small production runs. By contrast, my private commissions are a chance to work with my clients to come up with one-off designs that are special to them, and to make and organize the whole job myself.
What types of swords do you make on commission?
I am looking for commissions that are unique or special in some way, artistically interesting yet still practical swords at the core of the design, that will become heirlooms. My specialty has been medieval and later European types of swords, but I will look at other types depending on the commission.
What types of steel do you use to make swords?
If it is monosteel, I usually use medium carbon spring steels for the toughness they have; but also pattern welded steels to get more decorative effects within the steel itself.
Can you make me a Lord of the Rings sword?
No. Nor can I make any other film or game sword that is subject to IP rules, unless the design owner can be contacted to approve use of their design. But I can draw on design elements of those designs, so long as the result is a noticeably different sword.
Are your swords full tang/functional?
Yes. I make the tang as wide as possible within the grip for strength, and if there is to be a threaded rod to allow dismantling of the sword for cleaning, it will always be done in a way that maintains as much strength as possible. No rat tails!
How can I subscribe to find out if you open commissions again?
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