Lots of people like to do hand to hand activities, but to pay for expensive products such as plastic or rubber swords is often more than its worth, especially when you have multiple players and only one sword.

In this Instructable you will Learn how to make a set of affordable swords for any training use desired.

Note: these training weapons are not intended for young children and should be used with at least some amount of protection. (If for children, use PEX pipe which can also be found at most hardware stores and is safer)

Step 1: Parts

These are all the materials needed to do this project:

1. Two 5 ft. Long Rods of 1/2 in. PVC/PEX pipe

2. Two 1/2 in. PVC/PEX adapters

3. 600 grit sandpaper

4. Christy's hot glue

5. Rest o leum chalkboard spray paint

6. Black electric tape

Note: this build can not be done without pipe cutters.

Step 2: Cutting the Pipe

To start, cut one 5 ft. Long pipe in half at
2 1/2 ft. These will serve as the blades of both swords ( if the cut is not exactly in the middle it is ok, that is why we have two rods of PVC/PEX )

Take the extra pipe and cut two 9 inch Handles.

Notice there is 3 ft. 7 in. Left over, this is for
replacement parts or a third sword if desired.

The swords I made for this Instructable are slightly shorter than the specifications I have given you because I used leftover pipe to conserve resources.

Step 3: Sanding the Pieces

Next, the pipe needs to sanded until some of shine has disappeared or the words have faded to a certain degree.

The idea of doing this is to prepare the pieces for glueing and painting. It gives strength to the pipe parts when glued together.

The edges of each pipe should be sanded well, so as to eliminate the chance of cuts or scrapes when playing.

The adapters should also be sanded so they take paint without chipping or peeling.

Step 4: Gluing the Parts

Now, we glue the peices together with the Christy's hot glue.

Warning: this glue is designed to melt plastic surfaces, cover table or do this step outside.

Take the hot glue and swab the inside of the adapters, the edges of the handles, and the blades. Make sure to wipe away any excess glue.

Let the glue set for a couple minutes and then move into painting.

Step 5: Painting the Swords

Now that the glue has had time to set the swords can be painted.

Note: this part is best done outside and with a tarp covering the ground. You must hold the sword the entire time you are painting.

First use your smallest finger and put it into the hole at the bottom. Make sure not to let the paint run ( mine did ). start from the tip of the blade going up until you reach the hilt and Repeat this process several times until the sword is completely covered then let dry while your finger is still inside. You may set the sword down when it becomes dry enough to touch without paint coming off.

Step 6: Rubberizing the Handles

The final step to this project is rubberizing the handles of each sword.

To finish your training swords, slowly wrap the electric tape from the top of the handles down until the they are completely covered and you reach the hilt. It should look something like a golf club handle when finished.

You can also just cover the hilt with tape to make it look more complete and add some professionalism to the overall look.

Step 7: Finished, You May Start Training

Now that your swords are complete you can begin your training and use them as much and as roughly as you like. With time you will only get better at the art of swordplay.

If you like this Instructable subscribe, check out some of my other work, and watch for more to come.