blender is pretty much the only free one that is really widely supported and has lots of exporters and stuff--but if you learn the basics of another program, they transfer over easily.  If you want something that's very well developed, but not blender, try MilkShape.  It costs a little money but it's worth it.  Anim8or is also good but I don't think it exports into a usable format.
The sword looks pretty good 

  It just needs texturing.  Very nice form, though!  It seems like you have a keen eye for the style.