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Mike Craughwell, known online as Michaelcthulhu, turned making enormous, impractical swords into full-time work. His builds are metalworking projects; their absurd scale, game-inspired designs and comic spectacle are part of the point. For a close look at how one comes together, start with How a Buster Sword is Built, a 38-minute build video highlighted in Make:’s 2016 profile.
Why Michaelcthulhu makes giant swords
Craughwell’s videos drew viewers who wanted to see oversized weapons from video games made in real life. The swords are intentionally unwieldy, and he treats that impracticality as an invitation to have fun rather than as a claim that they are useful weapons.
That tone is explicit in his explanation to Andrew Terranova for Make:: “Some other sword guys talk about what the sword could kill. My swords are not bad-ass killing machines… giant swords are innately funny.” The videos mix fabrication with humor and spectacle, including fire demonstrations.
#1 Best Overall
How the builds take shape
Build material up, then grind it back
Make: describes Craughwell’s approach as both additive and subtractive: weld material into basic shapes and the gaps between them, then grind the buildup back to refine the form. Craughwell explained, “You can use a welder to build up basic shapes and fill in the in-between bits with weld. Then you grind back to get what you want.” The profile says this method suits the organic forms in his designs.
His use of MIG and TIG welding
In Terranova’s account, Craughwell uses MIG welding for structural welds and deliberate material buildup, and TIG for more delicate work. He may switch between the processes. This is a description of his practice, not a general guide to choosing welding equipment or a performance comparison.
Learning by doing
Craughwell told Make: that his only formal training was “a 6 month welding course” and that he otherwise had to teach himself. The profile also recounts how he researched and practiced a salt-water-and-battery-charger method to etch symbols requested by a customer.
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His advice for learning is blunt: “Experiment and accept there is a 50% failure rate.” That figure is his reported advice, not a measured or general failure rate. The profile is an account of his creative process, not a safety or equipment guide.
Rank #3
- EXCEPTIONAL QUALITY - Crafted in the USA using 5160 steel, our products meet exacting quality standards, assuring exceptional performance in your knife-making projects.
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Which build video to watch
| Video | What it offers |
|---|---|
| How a Buster Sword is Built | A 38-minute build covering cutting, welding, brazing and grinding, as described in Make:’s 2016 profile. |
| Micro Build: Tiny Buster Sword | A shorter look at making a hand-sized miniature version. |
The full build is the better pick if you want to follow the construction process; the micro build offers a compact alternative.
What happened to Big Giant Swords?
Make: reported in 2016 that Discovery chronicled Craughwell’s work in six episodes of Big Giant Swords, then available through Discovery and Amazon Video. That is historical availability information, not confirmation that the series is currently in either service’s catalog or available in a particular region.
Rank #4
- HIGH-QUALITY CARBON STEEL – Crafted from durable carbon steel for a blade that offers excellent edge retention and strength, perfect for crafting a reliable dirk.
- OPTIMAL SIZE FOR CRAFTING – At 32cm overall length and 21.5cm blade edge, this blank is ideal for creating a versatile mini sword or dirk.
- FULL STABILITY – 9.5cm Hidden tang for secure handle attachment, providing a balanced and stable base for crafting a durable mini sword.
- OFFSET GROOVE – Features a single groove positioned to the side of the blade, reducing weight while adding a traditional look to the dirk.
- EXCEPTIONAL EDGE RETENTION – High-carbon steel retains sharpness, offering a long-lasting edge for reliable use or display.
Source
Andrew Terranova, “Weekend Watch: Building Comically Giant Swords with Michaelcthulhu,” Make:, April 30, 2016: https://makezine.com/article/craft/weekend-watch-building-comically-giant-swords-with-michaelcthulhu/.
Quick Recap
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
