Iron for a sword?

by Roxy
(Tampa)

QUESTION: Okay, so I am in the process of constructing a sword for a show that I am going to be in next year, the swords requirements are such that the sword must be able to extend as well as contract to its original form. Without going into the oh so long details of its construction, I need to find a metal that will be durable (for a prop piece, I don't need it to be battleready) but also magnetic. I know iron is magnetic, but that would be HEAVY!!!! Any suggestions for any metals that would be magnetic and durable but not quite so... arm breaking? I have to wield this thing and I'm not exactly She-hulk..

ANSWER:Hi Roxy,

Sounds quite tricky! I've a few ideas, but to be honest I am not sure how practical they might be - and indeed, there are folk on the SBG Sword Forums who will have a better answer and can help walk you through the process too.

Have a chat, I'm sure they will be able to offer you many helpful suggestions:

SBG Sword Forum - Sword Making Sub Forum

- Paul

Comments for Iron for a sword?

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Iron for sword
by: Adam Pendragwn

If you or someone else is going to make this sword, the least expensive way is to buy a length of cold-rolled mild steel at a hardware store. They come in different widths but usually only 3 ft long. Since you don’t need a real battle capable sword, a tang can be made by riveting two pieces (strips) of steel onto either side of the blade, and then a large screw between the two pieces at the other end—a pommel can then be threaded onto it. This sounds like it won’t work but I’ve done this and have struck 2x4s etc. with it, pretty hard, and it worked well. However, you can’t do this a great number of times. But if it’s just for a play this would work really well. On the other hand, you can buy staged combat swords very cheaply, so that’s the way I would go. I can’t imagine why it needs to be able to hold a magnet, but all iron and steel, including stainless, will hold a magnet. As far as weight goes, surely you can deal with something that doesn’t weigh more than three pounds.

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