Hi to everybody. All the stuff here is awesome and very inspiring. Im working on this in my spare time. Comments are wellcome. Panthor will be next. base for sword. first try on texturing the sword. it's 2900 tris. testing some colors.
I wouldn't attach a scarf on a sword handle also there is some weird grey dots on the leather of the handle (of the first sword). What school are you attending?
IN regards to the sword detail, just imagine where the sword actually makes contact with other objects. That should localize the damage areas you're looking to paint in.
I started creating this sword yesterday and unwrapped it and textured it all today. Today I also modelled, sculpted and textured this hand to go along with the sword.