How to Make a Roman Sword Out of Wood
The typical sword of the Roman infantryman was called a gladius. According to Nigel Rodgers, it was worn on the right side. This made it easier to draw because of the soldiers' large shields on their left. It was less than 3 feet in length and had a double-edged blade that was effective in both slashing and thrusting. With a little effort you can make a wooden replica great for display or to impress at a costume party.
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Things You'll Need
- One sheet of ¼-inch plywood
- Pen or pencil
- Jig or circular saw
- Curtain rod
- Two 3.5-inch, wooden finials (ball-shaped)
- Wood glue
- Rotary tool with sanding band
- Paint (silver and bronze)
- Tennis grip tape
Instructions
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Blade
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1
Draw a rectangle on a quarter-inch plywood sheet that is 2 inches wide by 21 inches long.
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2
Make a mark on both length-sides at 15 inches. Make another mark on the top (width) line in the middle. Draw a straight line between each side mark and the mark at the top---this gives you the triangular edge of the Roman gladius.
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3
Use a jig or circular saw to cut out the blade.
Pommel, Hilt, and Guard
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4
Use wood glue to attach one finial to the end of the curtain rod. This is the pommel.
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5
Cut the protruding rod at 7 inches length. This is the hilt.
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6
Cut the ball tip of the remaining finial in half horizontally. (Think latitude not longitude.) This is the guard.
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7
Use wood glue to attach the hilt to the base of the guard, inserting the rod about ½-inch deep.
Connect Blade to Guard
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8
Cut a hole into the center of the flat surface of the guard. It should measure 2 inches long, ¼-inch wide and ½-inch deep.
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9
Use a rotary tool with a sanding band to smooth out the edges.
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10
Insert the blade into the hole in the guard and attach using wood glue.
Decorate
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11
Paint the blade silver.
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12
Paint the pommel and guard a bronze or golden color for a realistic look.
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13
Wrap brown or black tennis grip tape over the hilt if you desire a more comfortable grip.
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1
Tips & Warnings
If you feel the pommel is too bulky, you can cut it in half or use a smaller finial.
Always take precautionary measures when handling a saw. Cut away from the body and wear protective eyewear.
Even a wooden gladius can be dangerous and should not be used as a toy.
