Costumes will always be a part of kids’ childhood whether it’s a themed birthday party or Halloween. Dressing up is fun, but completing the outfit with a prop will tie up the entire look and allow the kids to have more imaginative play.
The Zelda Sword
There are several different versions of the Zelda sword based on its color. One version is blue and the other one has a black design. But predominant to the design is the handle that is slightly similar to the ninja sword handles and the square red gemstone.
The He-Man Master of the Universe Sword
The He-man sword is a little less intricate and detailed but the carving of the hilts will be more challenging. The edges are curved and rounded which will require a lot more smoothening out with sandpaper. Some versions of the sword have a blue oval gemstone while some designs are metal all throughout.
Making the wooden swords
To make these wooden swords, it is easier to make three different parts and join them together later on – the blade, the handle and the hilt. Remember that the measurements in this DIY instruction are standard and can be changed depending on your requirements.
Materials needed:
• Thick birch lumber, or any type of wood that’s soft enough to shape but does not splinter (To be used for the hilt and the handle)
• Maple wood, or any type of wood that’s hard and won’t easily break and splinter (To be used for the blade)
• Pencil
• Cutter or X-acto knife
• Bandsaw
• Lathe
• Cabinet scraper
• Chisel
• Drill
• Wood glue
Making the blade:
• Cut the board to the length and width desired for the blade. If needed, cut the board in the middle to make it thinner.
• Attach the blade template to the wood and cut according to shape.
• In order to hone a cutting edge on pointed part of the blade, the easiest thing to use for this is a cabinet scraper. It is a piece of metal that allows you to smooth wood surfaces. This will help make the blade edges look more realistically sharp.
• Use a chisel to shape out the opposite part of the blade that will be attached to the handle. Drill a small hole on top that will later on accommodate the tendon of the handle for attachment.
Making the handle:
• Place the wood for the sword handle on the lathe. Create a template to help make the decorative transitions.
• On the lower side of the handle that will be attached to the blade, make a small tendon that will later on be pieced together with the blade.
Making the hilt:
• Prepare a ½” thick wood
• Draw a template on paper then attach it to the wood using glue or spray adhesive. Carve out the outlines using a cutter or X-acto knife.
• Peel out the paper then use a pencil to outline the shape guide. Use a chisel to carve out the lines completely and make grooves.
• Cut out the shape of the hilt with a bandsaw. Work on the opposite side of the hilt and carve out the grooves. Finally, use a sandpaper to smoothen out rough edges.
Putting it together:
• Attach the handle to the blade. Lock in the handle’s tendon into the hole drilled in the blade and seal it with wood glue.
• Glue the hilts to the sides of the blade.
Finishing touches:
• Use a sandpaper to smoothen out the sides of the blades.
• Use spray paint to design the hilts and handle. Chrome paint can be used for the blade.
• For the Zelda sword, attach the red gem stone using glue and tightly wrap a leather strip to the handle, tacking down the edges, to finish off the design.
• For the He-man sword, use a silver chrome spray paint. Attach an oval blue gem using glue between the hilts.
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