After the steel is heated, the first step is called drawing-out . When you draw out a piece of steel, you are increasing the length of the steel and reducing the thickness. In other words, you are flattening it into the basic sword shape. By hammering along one edge, the bladesmith can make the length of steel gradually curve to create a curved sword. Next, the bladesmith begins to taper the blade.
Tapering is used to create the tip and tang of the blade.
It is accomplished by hammering at an angle, beginning at the point where the taper should start and continuing to the end of the blade. Often, the tapering will create a bulge in the blade's thickness that will need to be drawn out. Once the tang is complete, the bladesmith will normally use a tap and die set to make threads on the end of the tang for the pommel to screw onto. The bladesmith will continue to work on the blade a section at a time. He will flip the blade over again and again during the hammering to ensure that both sides are evenly worked.