A stick can be many things - walking aid, clothes prop, dog toy, tent pole - but to any small boy, a stick can only be one thing.

A sword.

But everybody knows that a proper sword not only has a blade, but a hilt and a guard.

This simple toy will turn any stick into a sword fit for any budding pirate or musketeer.

Step 1: Tools and Materials

You only need three things to make the Universal Sword - a piece of thick foam, such as a camping roll mat, and something to cut it with. Oh, and a stick, of course!

I've added a set of files - you should be able to use at least one of them as a template or cutting guide.

You'll notice that I've included DXF & ECP files - I'll admit to being lazy and cutting this out with my laser cutter. What the heck, what's the point of having cool toys if you're not going to use them?

Step 2: What to Actually Do...

There's not really a lot to tell - you cut it out.

If you don't want to use the templates I've attached, what you're after is an approximate oval with two holes in. Mine is 30cm long, and almost 7cm at its widest point. The holes are not circles, but lined with "teeth" to bend and grip a wide range of thicknesses of stick.

Step 3: The Finished Sword

In case you haven't worked it out yet, you push the stick through the star-shaped holes, and the points of the star hold the Universal Sword in place.

Make several, give them out as party favours, or send your local children out into the woods to have a small war...