I used to spend time making a jig for bending but no matter what I tried, the guard still came out looking 'kinked'. It lacked the nice smooth flowing curve. After talking the issue over with a couple of my good friends, we all came to the same conclusion. So now, I just bend them free form, apply a little heat here and there and bend a little here and there, twist and tweak if needed. The result is much more natural and flowing.
I imagined it!! It was just too "organic" to be the fruit of whatever fixture....very, very nice outcome.
i agree with you that to pursuit flow and proportions it is wise to rely on a well concieved drawing....of course a nice drawing come from talent and experience.....and by inspiration from masters like you :3: