I came up with this idea when I saw some dead palmetto branches on the ground at a rest stop in South Carolina. It took me 5 minutes with just a knife and a branch

Step 1: Find a Branch

You want to find a dead branch. It can be as long or short as you want. They grow just about everywhere from South Carolina down. You can find them on the ground, or in a tree, anyone will do.

Step 2: Remove the Leaves

Get a sharp knife, and shave off all the leaves. Leave about a quarter in. for a cool looking hilt, or just break off the whole leaf part. See the pictures. Shave off a little around the base for a handle until it's smooth or it feels good in your hand.

Step 3: Finish and Smooth

Pick it up, and give it a few swings to see if it feels good in your hand and the balance feels right. If you want you can shave the edges down to make it not as sharp. The edges are naturally really sharp! I was able to cut through small branches with it.

Over all, it is a really simple design, made out of natural materials that you can make in 5 minutes.