ive just started learning modelling and texturing.

what programs do i need to open nif files and edit them? I would like to mess around with an existing skyrim vanilla helmet.

can 3ds max open and edit nif files?

I don't know, but would be interested if anyone has any tutorials or similar helpful advice. I use Nifskope myself, but I'm a beginner too. That can certainly open and edit .nif but it might be limited in some ways that more experienced modders would know.

i saw a tutorial online in which a iron helmet was extracted from skyrim bsa using FO3A and opened in 3ds max. The tutorial didnt explain if any steps before hand helped get the NIF into 3ds max.

You need the http://niftools.sourceforge.net/wiki/NifTools, though I'm not sure how well they work with Skyrim. I know they are working on that though.

So do you only need niftools to allow you to open .nif in 3dmax, blender, and similar 3rd party software? It seems that you could use Nifskope without them (they're included), so is there a major issue with it or is it just personal preference?

You need a 3D modeling program such as http://oblivion.nexusmods.com/mods/12248 (which is free) or if you can get it, 3DS Max.
There are a ton of tutorials at Nexus, or do a google search. Learning 3D modeling takes time, be patient.

Things to keep in mind: Blender cannot export directly into a Skyrim nif, but there are ways around it. See the Skyrim tutorials on Nexus wiki.

i have 3ds max. I just wondered if having niftools would allow me to open the vanilla skyrim nif files and edit them in 3ds max.

This seems to be a decent example of the above: http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/3790
That's where I'll start

Nifskope can open nifs, though you cant manipulate the meshes. Well you can, but it is stupidly painful and not worth the effort in any way shape or form. You can also change the textures as well as some other material properties, but currently not much with Skyrim Nif files.

NifTools will allow you to import nifs from New Vegas and below into Blender/3DS Max, but not Skyrim. You need to use Nifskope to export the mesh as an OBJ then import that into your modeling program.

Thank you! I was trying to edit one in Nifskope, and failing utterly. Glad to know there are easier options!

So import nif into nifskope, export as obj then open in 3ds max?

Actually, no. Playing with obj's is unnecessary. 3DS will import/export Skyrim nifs with Niftools. Just not in Blender. But you can import/export as F03 format which is close to Skyrim format, and finish changes in Nifskope.

http://wiki.tesnexus.com/index.php/Creating_an_armour_for_Skyrim._Part_1 on how to do that. It talks about armor, but the concept can be used for statics as well.

Keep in mind, neither 3DS nor Blender can create Skyrim type collision for the models.