Meet Chris Menges, Master Swordsmith at Wētā Workshop

What is your role at Wētā Workshop? What does a typical day look like?

I’m one of Wētā Workshop’s master swordsmiths, though I still feel I have much more to learn from my craft. A typical day swordsmithing usually involves research and grinding, using paper to make a plan and heat to enact it. There are endless side quests that keep the job interesting. We use creative problem solving daily as many of the things we're tasked to make have never even been seen before, let alone made.  

How did you get into sword making?

My fascination with swords started very early in life. I ended up learning fabrication professionally as I grew older. Through cosplay, re-enactment and eventually stage combat, I honed my skills in both using and making swords and armour. Knowing the difference between a good-looking but poorly balanced sword, and a good-looking but properly balanced sword, is a hard-earned skill.

What drives your creative process?

One of the biggest drivers of my personal creative process is probably the hyper-focus that can come with ADHD. In this context, it's a misnomer to call it a disorder rather than a superpower. The world is full of overwhelming inspiration; this profession is older than any empire, after all. Swordsmiths have a tradition of using materials and techniques in their work that serve no purpose other than 'art because it's difficult'. To keep that type of tradition alive, I (occasionally) indulge the tangents in my head by going on research journeys. Usually a wholly satisfying way to spend time at the workbench, but sometimes frustrating as failure is a common result. 

How would you define your sword making style?

My sword making style is defined by the story each piece tells. A blade can take anywhere from dozens to hundreds of hours of work to complete. I find it simpler to concentrate for that period of time if the object I'm working on has an invested story, a reason for being, a tool to solve a problem. So every time I work on a custom piece I first come up with parameters for it to exist in, develop techniques I may want to try, and start by filling pages in sketch books. 

What’s your favourite piece you’ve ever crafted?

I'm not sure which piece I would consider to be my favourite. I think some of the swords I've showcased at Skullduggery Art Show at Thistle Hall have top marks though. Film-wise - well I can't talk about that one yet!

What’s your advice for anyone who wants to get into sword making?

Play with some swords so you know how they are supposed to feel and move in the hand, what certain shapes were designed to combat, and what you like. Knowing a sword is not a big knife is lesson one.

Once you get an understanding of what you'd like to make, you should realise that time on the tools is invaluable. There is a lot of information out there, but time with a hammer in hand or standing at the grinder is the only thing required to get better. Many people love the fantasy of swordsmithing, but the reality is more mundane. Virtually 99% of the time is spent making individual components, it's not until that last 1% of time that you actually have a sword. And those last few moments with a sword are spent carefully packing it to go to a client for them to enjoy. To quote swordsmith Arann Reichhardt: "Alas, the hammer never stops. One sword is done, another takes its place in the anvil."

Why is Wētā Workshop Experiences a must-do for any visitor to Wellington?

Wētā Workshop Experiences is an altar to the creative human mind. This is such a rare place to be able to make so many different things, so often and for so many to enjoy, whether it's a blockbuster movie or a public art installation. The space that's been set up to show the public how we do it is the kind of inspiration that I soaked up as a kid. 

What’s your favourite part about Wētā Workshop Experiences?

The best part is that the host guiding your journey through the space is someone who's passionate about the details. Each person will bring their unique insight into discussing how things are made, as well as share what a particular thing was used for. There is a lot to discover on each tour. Let your curiosity lead. 

Any tips for visitors?

My advice for guests is to think of good questions to ask. The hosts are full of knowledge and light up when someone has a thoughtful question to dive into a tangent about. Even if you're too shy to actually ask the question, thinking of one or two will keep the gears of creativity greased throughout your day.  

Why is Wellington a great place to be a swordsmith?

Wellington is a challenging place to be a swordsmith - so far from swords in museums to study, and materials get expensive being on a Pacific Island. But this happens to be one of the world’s hotspots for influencing pop culture. In my opinion, the most recognisable swords made in the last 200 years were made here in Wellington. The city has an indispensable reputation thanks to the work of my mentor, Peter Lyon. What he managed to make for The Lord of the Rings films is arguably the most defining artefact of our city's history. Why is Wellington a great place to be a swordsmith? Because of Peter Lyon's legendary craftsmanship.