So there are a lot of new faces at the park and a lot of them are asking how to build things. Todays lesson is your basic (cheap) version of how to build a boffer. It will probably not last more than a few months of use but it's by far the quickest way to build a sword.

I prefer to build up my pommel then move towards sword construction as this tells me exactly how long my blade can be and still be within the limits of whatever size I'm going for. I prefer small pommels that end just past the base of my core as this gives me better reach with the weapon. I typically build my pommel onto an uncut core, then cut the core to length based on what I plan on making (short, long, etc) in general you'll have roughly 2-4 inches of foam in total on the ends of your blade so cut your core 2-4 inches shorter than the max length allowed for the weapon you're building (32-34 inches for short swords for example).

What you'll need:
1 core of your choice (bamboo, kitespar, golf club, I do not recommend pvc)
Green camp foam (Jones surplus typically has this for 10 dollars a roll)

Tiwaz's Pommel building

A brief history on how I fight...typically on any given week I'll fight for at least 6 hours (last week it was closer to 10-12 hours including fighter practice that ran until 10:30pm) The last time (prior to last night) that I built a pommel was probably about 2-3 years ago (I've have to rebuild swords but never had to rebuild a pommel). I tend to hold my swords on the pommel so I needed a pommel that would hold up to the constant stress, I do not like pommels that wiggle on me when I swing.

You will need:
1 Core of your choosing (I use golf clubs because they're $2)
Military Camp foam
Something to cut with (I use a razor for most cuts and a steak knife for shaving)

So Glenalth said we should post blog entries about the work we're currently doing...I have a few projects I'm working on at the moment.

I'll get guides up on how to build things as I have time.

Current projects in various stages of completion:

Greaves - cuir bouilli 1/4 inch thick leather with rapid rivet 12mm domed studs.