A metal leading edge of a turbine fan blade is manufactured by cutting and shaping an elongated metal part. The metal part has front and rear edges extending lengthwise of the part, and has a generally wedge-shaped transverse cross-section with opposite sides diverging from the front edge toward the rear edge. A cavity is cut inward from the rear edge toward the front edge. This provides the part with a generally V-shaped transverse cross-section having opposite side walls diverging rearwardly from the front edge. A mandrel is inserted into the cavity, and the side walls of the V-shaped part are deflected toward each other to constrict the cavity into the configuration of the mandrel. The part is then mounted as a metal leading edge by inserting a turbine fan blade component into the constricted cavity and fastening the part to the component.