Help to imptove this sword

[Progenosis]

As the title says, I'm looking for help to improve this sword, maybe antialising or shading or something on how could I do better at priting?

 

[Anevis]

http://images.knifecenter.com/thumb/1500x1500/knifecenter/condor/images/CN41715HCnw.jpg
http://i01.i.aliimg.com/wsphoto/v0/...ting-Knife-Multi-Function-Tools-DREAM1337.jpg
http://www.oneknifestand.com/images/K2098.jpg

The blade can be divided in two parts when shaded. First is edge and second the rest/main part (can't find good name). Notice that in images, how light works on those blades.
You should put dark outline around sprites.
Choose colors wisely. Gold is at first hard to shade, but a bit of practice make it easy. I basically use yellow - lighter yellow - almost white + for darks oranges/browns.
Vary hue a bit, even a little. I added slightly purple and oranges on blade.
That's all I think, the rest is just practice.

Check my makeover.

 

[Progenosis]

Awesome, thanks, I'll keep working on this sword until gets close to perfect

 

[Progenosis]

It's going like this at the moment, suggestions?

 

[Progenosis]

Second version:

 

[Thorn]

that second version looks really good

 

[Anevis]

I like both, pattern on first sword is nice. The handle looks imo better on second