Make a Sword or Two with Cardboard and Tape

October 6, 2014

The sword is the hero’s main weapon and may be the only prop your little actor needs. These are simple and easy to make from supplies you have on hand.

Swords have a long and fascinating history which we won’t presume to cover, but if you would like more information please check out this great website:

Medieval Life and Times

Medieval sword cardboard pieces

We’re including information about making three commonly known swords: the Medieval sword, the Pirate sword and the Katana. The construction techniques are similar and your little actor may want to try out different hero roles! Please consider your child’s age and capabilities before providing toy weapons: safety first.

Medieval Sword Materials:

• Gift wrap paper roll (empty)
• Paper towel roll (empty)
• Tape: duct, masking, or clear packing
• Aluminum foil if shiny look is preferred
• Scissors, exacto knife (for adult only!)
• Safe place to cut cardboard. Garage floor or sidewalk will do. Another piece of cardboard or self healing mat will make the cutting easier
• (We choose not to reinforce our swords with sticks, dowels or rulers for safety reasons)

Medieval Sword Instructions:

Assemble materials

• Sword blade: Flatten the long gift wrap roll and cut to desired length (about 24 inches); trim blade tip to point
• Sword handle: Cut paper towel roll into 2 equal pieces (about 6 inches) and flatten.
• Place the two handle pieces over the blade at desired position and tape loosely together
• Cover blade with aluminum foil, duct tape or decorate as desired
• Cover handle with duct tape
• Tape over all with clear packing tape for added durability if using aluminum foil
• Voila! It’s time for adventure!
• Pirate Sword Pieces

• Pirate Sword Materials:

• Cardboard
• Tape: duct, masking, or clear packing
• Aluminum foil
• Scissors, exacto knife (for adult only!)
• Safe place to cut cardboard. Garage floor or sidewalk will do

• Pirate Sword Instructions:

• Assemble materials
• Sword blade: Trace design onto cardboard; an adult can cut out the design (for stronger version cut two identical pieces)
• Tape two pieces together loosely (these will be taped more thoroughly)
• Cover blade with aluminum foil, duct tape or decorate as desired
• Cover handle with duct tape
• Tape over all with clear packing tape for extra durability if using aluminum foil

Voila! Begin your adventure!

• Katana Materials:

• Cardboard
• Tape: duct , masking or clear packing tape
• Aluminum foil
• Scissors, exacto knife (for adult Only!)
• Safe place to cut cardboard. Garage floor or sidewalk will do.

Katana Instructions:

Assemble materials

• Sword blade: Trace design onto cardboard; an adult can cut out the design (for stronger version cut two identical pieces)
• Tape two pieces together loosely (these will be taped more thoroughly)
• Cover blade with aluminum foil, duct tape or decorate as desired; you may want the ‘handle’ part to be a different color.
• Tape over all with clear packing tape for extra durability if using aluminum foil

Voila! Begin your adventure!