DIY Indoor Training Longsword

The longsword represents a powerful historical weapon whose allure persists across centuries, appearing in both ancient texts and contemporary media. Standard training longswords typically measure 40-50 inches and weigh significantly, making them impractical for most home environments. However, you can construct a compact training version affordably using basic materials and straightforward techniques.

Materials Required

• One 3-foot wooden dowel (1-inch diameter) for the blade
• Two 9-inch wooden dowels (1-inch diameter) for the crossguard
• Sandpaper (40-100 grit)
• Grip tape or utility rope
• 2-4 nails or screws
• Optional: rubber chair leg caps or cane caps for the ends

Work with what you have, improve what you can. There’s flexibility in material selection based on what’s available to you.

Construction Steps

Step 1: Gathering Materials

Collect all necessary supplies. The type of wood is flexible - just ensure it’s sturdy enough to handle practice swings without breaking.

Step 2: Crafting the Crossguard

Mark a one-inch center gap on each 9-inch dowel. Sand grooves into these marks until the 3-foot dowel fits snugly between them.

Step 3: Assembly

Position the 3-foot dowel between the two 9-inch pieces to form the crossguard structure. Secure with nails or screws. The handle should measure 6-11 inches to allow proper two-handed grip space.

Wrap the handle in grip tape or utility rope for comfort and improved aesthetics.

Step 4: Finishing Touches

Attach rubber blunts to both ends for protection. Mark the blade edges with tape or paint to indicate which surfaces are the flat and edge - this helps you train proper edge alignment.

Step 5: Training

Your completed sword is now ready for practice! Use it alongside online instruction to develop your technique safely at home.

Advanced Version

For a more sophisticated design, incorporate a second 3-foot dowel alongside the first. This improves weight distribution and provides better edge definition.

This modification requires:

• Sanding two grooves on each crossguard piece
• Tapering the handle section for comfortable two-handed grip

The resulting trainer weighs approximately 1 kilogram, much closer to authentic longsword specifications.

Additional Tips

Adjusting Weight

Historical longswords typically average 1-1.5 kilograms. You can attach washers toward the tip to increase weight and adjust the point of balance. Add weight gradually to avoid making the sword too tip-heavy.

Finding the Right Balance

A properly balanced sword balances easily when supported by a single finger on the blade. For historically accurate swords, this point typically falls 2-3 inches above the crossguard.

With your new training sword and some practice space, you’re ready to begin your longsword journey from the comfort of home.