DIY Durable Wooden Play Sword Crafting Kits & Informational Guides
A woodworker mentioned a need for the best type of wood to make play swords that can withstand some light hits, pointing out that pine isn't great for these toys because it tends to break. This highlights an opportunity for a specialized product aimed at DIY toy makers.
The suggested product is "Shock-Resistant Hardwood Blanks for Play Weapon Crafting." It would include a carefully chosen selection of pre-cut hardwood blanks, specifically picked for their high impact resistance and durability, perfect for crafting children's play items like swords, axes, and shields. The featured woods could include tough species like hickory, ash, or hard maple.
Product Details:
- Offered in various standard sizes suitable for different play weapon projects (e.g., 30"x2.5"x0.75" for a sword, 18"x2.5"x0.75" for a dagger).
- Wood selected with straight grain along the primary axis to maximize strength and minimize splitting.
- Blanks would be surfaced (e.g., S2S or S4S) to provide a good starting point for shaping with hand or power tools.
- Each blank or pack could come with a small informational card detailing the wood species' properties (e.g., toughness, workability), tips for shaping (considering child safety like rounded edges), and recommendations for durable, child-safe finishes.
- Optionally, multi-packs or "project packs" with a few assorted sizes could be offered.
Expected Benefits:
- Directly addresses user need: Provides a reliable source for the "best wood" that is significantly more durable than pine for play swords and similar items.
- Enhanced Durability & Safety: Enables the creation of play weapons that can withstand "mild strikes" and are less likely to splinter dangerously compared to softer woods, leading to safer play.
- Convenience for Crafters: Saves users the difficulty and potential expense of sourcing small quantities of specific hardwoods and milling them to size.
- Improved Project Success: Increases the likelihood of a successful and satisfying crafting outcome by providing appropriate, high-quality starting materials.
- Educational Component: The included information helps users understand wood properties and best practices for durable toy construction.
- Reduced Waste: Prevents wasted effort and materials from projects that break quickly due to poor material choice.
Origin Reddit Post
r/woodworking
How to best seal carved wooden swords
Posted by u/t_santel•06/01/2025
Carved these with a draw knife out of pine wood stakes. They are for my kids, and kids are destructive. What is the best way to seal/protect them from damage?
Top Comments
u/MobiusX0
I use tung oil followed by some beeswax for knife handles and it holds up well.
u/TheSaltyGent81
Nice Wonderfold!
u/Brodaciouss
Those are friggen sweet! No guards might mean some mashed fingers? IDK, I'm not a sword master!
I'm sure more knowledgeable people will chime in but I'd think oiling them heavily would be go
u/Controls_Man
Spray on poly
u/4_Frodo
Yes. I was making swords like this and walking sticks and used a piece of pvc with a cap on the bottom and just dipped and wiped danish oil repeatedly and they came out great, helped with ha
u/zigtrade
Hard maple, but you're not "carving" them. Use power tools to shape.
u/HarryElefante
+1. I was going to say a spray on clear coat, but then I thought about how much abuse they’ll get and realized that will get cracked and chipped pretty quickly.
u/MetaPlayer01
The best swords are sealed with the Blood of thine enemies, Sir Knight!
u/4_Frodo
I like danish oil on pine
u/cartermb
Ironwood? You trying to actually run someone through?
u/RepresentativeOk2433
I'm a file man. I know it's a bit more work, but I enjoy the effort.
u/RepresentativeOk2433
If I can hijack for my own question, what would be the best wood for making play swords that will actually hold up to mild strikes.
Ive been looking to make some for fun. Pine seems like it
u/RepresentativeOk2433
My least favorite finish for any application but especially a bad choice if these are going to get played with and chipped up. They need something with penetration.