Yes its a constant battle against the elements :-), I would have liked to see them stack the pieces like in a japanese sword and reforge the sword . There is an episode of man at arms where they forge, purposefully break , and then reforge a copy of Narsil. Thats pretty cool actually. They dont like the way its portrayed in the movie either. I have had a few of my blades break , and I have remade them .... into shorter swords.