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I have recently (nearly) finished my block of Bloodletters (first painted models!) but I have hit a mental block on the hellblades. I like the ones on the box, but 1) cannot seem to recreate the look and 2) want to try something different. Do you have any ideas (and direction) on ones that would work well for my (unorginal paint job)?

I am very new to painting (like I said, these are the first models I have painted) any help and steps to complete, would be greatly appreciated.

I wonder if Ice Blue or whatever it's called these days would work? Or Drybrush it silver, wash blue, stipple white?

That would be a neat contrast. May have to give it a go on a couple of figs. Any others?

I tried using cotton wool to simulate smoke coming off the blade with mixed results:

Neat effect, bub! Did you use PVA glue or just add some fluff to wet paint so it dried onto the sword?

I used some FW black pigment first to get the bottom of the 'smoke' blackened. I then appiled it with PVA glue.
Once dry, I teased out the ends.

I tried to keep mine simple, here's how it looks:

I dig the look you have, so far! have you ever tried the tape gradient technique? I did it on a demon prince, for a buddy recently, and it REALLY added to the "Molten hot demon forged weapon" look.

Cant wait to see the final product! Keep up the good work!

@ Warhammerlady - I like the look, it's just a little too like the box but may be the best option for me.

@ SINISM - I am not sure I know what you mean. I have seen some airbrush technique where half a blade is covered in tape and then painted and then the painted half is covered and then other half is painted. Is that what you mean? Do you have a shot you can share? I don't have an airbrush (yet?) as I just recently started painting my army. Can it be easily reproduced with a brush?

Thats the technique I'm talking about! And you can do it just fine without an air brush (I use one to make things smoother. But, didnt always have one. So, I understand workin with what you've got)

Essentially do your sword in a gradient from white-yellow-orange-red-dark brown or black (you can add or subtract colors as you please) from one end to the other. Tape off halves, and do the same thing. But, go in the opposite direction! It'll had a simple, yet AWESOME effect. And, your weapons will look like hot metal ready to cut through the imperium!