Splines and realistic textures (Sword Model)

[Beowulf]

Allright, heres my next try at models, much better than the last but nowhere near TYR.






What I'm asking now is does anyone know how to use splines to create a mesh (im working in 3d max 8 ) like for a hand guard and how do i get realistic textures onto my object (or even how do i get ahold of them)?

Heres the tutorial that i was reading to find out how to do a sword in 3d max 8

http://www.tutorialized.com/tutorial/Sword-of-Darkness-Swiftstyle-Studios/4765

It talks about the splines in the crossguard section





P.S. Also, if you understand the part on making the blade in the tutorial, could you please explain it to me

 

[Stonewall382]

...Freckin' awesome avatar!!

 

[zwaps]

where do you get all those pictures from.
I want some ****ing desktops now.

 

[Penguin]

a simple rightclick can show you more than you think- http://www.markchurms.com/

 

[Thorn]

Splines are generally way more high poly than normal box modelling, so be warned. To get a real texture on, you'll need to unwrap your model using so called UV coordinates. Make a google search on that.