Terry Pratchett may write a mean fantasy novel, but he also forges one heckuva sword. In honor of being knighted last year, Sir Pratchett dug up 175 pounds of iron ore, sprinkled in some meteorites, and made himself a proper weapon.


Pratchett gathered the iron ore deposits himself from a field near his town, and worked with a friend who is an "expert on ancient metal-making techniques" to smelt it in a makeshift kiln in his own home. He then took it to a blacksmith, who made the blade.

Now that's how you be a knight. Ball's in your court, Sir Patrick Stewart. [News.au via Geekosystem; Image credit: Discworld News]