making a sword

[Hodge Bodge]

Anyone wanna give me some pointers for constructing a bad ass sword like the ones seen at many a FanimeCon? ???  I've attempted using cardboard, glue and tape (cheapo sword) :-[ turned out like crap, I've also made an attempt and melting and forming a platsic sword and that too was miserable failure. >:(  I'll take instruction sites, pointers, material lists, whatever I can get.   

Many thanks in advance everyone who can help. 8)

PS, yes I'm getting ready for '09 hella early. XD

[otakuapprentice]

you can make some really good stuff out of cardboard(yea, i know you tried it already); you just need a shitload of patience with it, though.

[Kazuko]

try styrafoam but yeah most items take alot of patience such as cardboard or plastic, you could use wood too

Just remember no Live steel since its part of the wepons policy

[Kanzake]

i could give you some pointers if you want to make some swords out of plywood and stuff o-o heres an example of what ive made lol

http://www.freewebs.com/crimsoniceprops/animeg.htm

Mind you Katen Kyokotsu is a little uglier because that was before we learned to ito braid and before we got our shipment of woodgrainfiller :<

[Gatsby]

Should this go in the cosplay section?

[sklpnda]

http://www.thetworivers.com/avatrix/sword/sword.htm
what im basing mine off of :D

[Yukari Kaiba]

I've made all my prop swords out of wood (pine and beech). If you have access to powertools and the know-how to use them, I recommend  using wood. Theres also insulation foam. I would check out the props forum on cosplay.com for more ideas.