How to make a quick cheap effective Amtgard Sword.

I am going to explain how to create a simple, legal short sword for beginners.

(As of Rulebook v7.7 all of the materials listed are completely legal, but are subject to change in v8.0)

First off, gather your supplies. You will need:

1x Stick of "Monster Funnoodle™".

1x 10' stick of 1/2" PVC pipe. (You only need a small amount of the actual pipe, but you can use the rest to make other weapons such as; Long sword, Dagger, Throwing weapons, ect.)

1x Pantyhose any color. (It'd be awkward to buy this by yourself as a man, but is a good reliable material.) Optional: Any opaque cloth.

Adhesive tape. (Duct or Packing)

Glue of choice. (I prefer Hot glue, but it's entirely up to you)

1x Roll of Blue Camping Foam. (Look for it in the camping section at wal-mart©. It's primary use is as a cushion between you and the ground whilst sleeping outside.)

Scrap Cloth. (Jeans or Leather preferred.)

Now the tools you will need are:

1x X-acto Knife™.

1x Pair of Scissors.

1x Dremel or Wood Saw.

1x Measuring Tape.

1x Sharpie or Pen.


Measure out your PVC pipe. For a short sword it has to be between 18" and 36" long in total length from pommel to tip.
After you Measure, be sure to mark it with your pen or sharpie.
Cut your PVC pipe the length you want it, for this intended purpose, let's say 30".
If you can, flatten down and smooth out the tip you just cut, this isn't completely necessary for this sword but it is recommended for safety purposes.
The rules state at least 2/3 of your weapon must be strike-legal, meaning the padded surface you intend to plant on someone's body. With our sword being 30" 2/3 would be 20" of the pipe.
Measure out 20" and mark that section of the pipe.
Next measure 21"-22" of the FunNoodle™ and mark it as well.
Cut your foam.
Next cut out your pommel. You can make your pommel as big as you want, but just remember more pommel, less room for your hand.
For this sword we will cut out a 2" section of the foam for the pommel. Begin by measuring out 2" of the foam, mark it, then cut.
Next Lay your Camping Foam out on an even surface.
Using the pommel you just cut out, place it onto the mat vertically and begin to trace it with your x-acto.
Remove the pommel and finish cutting through the mat. Do this for two circles the same diameter of your Pommel and Blade.
Take a strip of your scrap cloth, 2"x2" for leather, 2"x4" for jeans, and apply glue to one side of it (For jeans double them over length wise for double the strength)
Center the adhered side of the scrap to one of the circles you just cut.
Now place more glue liberally across the surface of the circle and material.
Place the circle onto the bottom side, (whichever you choose) of your pommel and allow it to dry.
Next place the 21"-22" piece of foam you cut onto your PCV pipe. Wriggle it down to the marker point you made, and you should have 1-2" gap.
Take either bits of your scrap cloth, or foam pieces and shove them into that gap.
Follow the same steps as above for attaching the circle foam to your blade.
Remove the blade.

This next step is one of two parts, and is of personal preference, and what honestly works for you.

1: Apply your glue to the PVC pipe along the part your blade is going to fit, and slide your blade back on, allowing it to dry. Repeat the step for the pommel on the opposite end of the pipe.


2: Get a roughly long strip of scrap and apply glue to one end. Set that end on your pipe. Apply a liberal amount of glue to the other end of your scrap, and slide your blade into position. Allow all glue to dry. As Option 1, repeat process for the pommel.

Grab your cover material (Either Cloth or Pantyhose) and lay it over your blade. Bring it down until it's nice and tight around the foam.
Using your tape, secure the excess material to the handle (The last exposed portion of your PVC pipe). If you have a lot of excess you can cut the material down to just about 1" below the bottom of your blade.
Finally, repeat the step above for your pommel, either using a new cloth or for the ergonomic denizen of amtgard, the excess you cut from your blade material. Just be sure to completely cover the foam.

Optional: Get either athletic tape or simple duct tape, and wrap it around the entire portion of your handle.  Makes for a thicker surface with more grip and comfort.

There you have it. Your first beginner sword in Amtgard!! This entire process can be repeated for Long Sword and Daggers, so feel free to spread the joy! If I missed any steps or if you have any comments,  I'd be more than happy to hear from you and possibly add anything I overlooked.


Happy killing, soldier!