Help with a prop idea

[Lorus]

I was thinking about going as Cloud from Final Fantasy Advent Children, but I'm not sure how I could make the sword for a prop. I was thinking like... out of cardboard or go to something like Home Depot and get a few pieces of wood and like... carve the basic shape. Maybe get some special tools and such to make it look more realistic and then... paint it! Anyone have any good ideas or suggestions? Wood may be like a last resort for me because I don't want the prop to be too heavy. I also would like it not to be 100% cardboard because that may cause it to be a bit too flimsy. Any ideas are welcome! Thanks!! :D

[platinum edge]

Check these links for a couple of ideas.

Cloud's buster sword - wood
http://forums.cosplay.com/showthread.php?t=82923

Tessaiga (Inuyasha)- foam
http://forums.cosplay.com/showthread.php?t=28010

Zabuza's sword (Naruto) -foam
http://www.thetworivers.com/avatrix/sword/sword.htm

Also search around the cosplay.com props section for other ideas and how-to's