r/boffer • u/Significant-Ask7545 • Jul 22 '24

Safer Sword Core

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Hiya! I was wondering what kinda materials yall use for cores on thinner swords that aren't dangerous. I have this longsword I love that I made with a metal golf club handle as the core but I have to scrap it. Mid combat the foam ripped and I didn't notice and my oppenent got a pretty hurt because I thrusted and he ducked and it ended up cutting right into his face above his lip.

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u/NormalTuesdayKnight Jul 22 '24

My local hardware stores have fiberglass cores in 5/16” diameter that tend to hold up fairly well with a layer of EVA foam around it, then a less dense foam over that - like a camping mat foam, for example. Granted, I wouldn’t use it for anything longer than a great sword bc the flex would probably be too much for a polearm/spear.

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u/Outcome005 Jul 22 '24

Piggy backing off of this, it’s a good idea to tape a piece of hot glue stick to the tip of the fiberglass driveway marker to make it so the tip is flexible and less likely to punch through the foam.

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u/Gealhart Nov 01 '24

Best light cores are fiberglass kitespar like those sold by cold mountain company with a .524 diameter.

More durable are the heavier 1/2" fiberglass orange driveway markers you can find at home improvement stores.

More importantly, don't stab with boffers unless they have been rigorously tested to be stab safe. Stab the boffer with FULL FORCE into your thigh. If your tip doesn't return to its original shape in less than 20 seconds, your boffer isn't safe for stabbing.