This is a tutorial on how to make Gandalf's sword from Lord of the Rings. It is called Glamdring. We use a few basic materials including foam board. I give you the template that you can print out and use to make your sword. This makes it a lot easier for you.

I also have a video tutorial at the bottom of this page.

The template is here

"Glamdring"

We also do some nice detail work to make this sword look nice. Including a blood groove, some shaping on the guard, wrapping on the handle and even some elven inscription.

Things you will need:

• Foamboard
• Scissors
• the template
• x-acto knife or sharp hobby knife
• paint
• glue
• A sealant like Mod Podge or Acrylic gloss medium gel
• Tape - both electrical tape and scotch tape
• pencil
• sand paper
• About ten inches of wire
• A ping pong ball (or some wadded newspaper in the shape of a ball)
• The template is here

Note from Will: The Template and the tutorial are both absolutely free! But would you consider a donation of $1 to support my work? Paypal makes it very easy and safe. Click here to donate $1 - Every little bit helps Will to keep making great tutorials and templates. Thanks!

Note that the template has some wonderful instructions (shown here on the right in this picture) that will help you quickly and easily make this sword.

Start by printing up the template. (Here)

Cut out the various pieces and tape together the two pieces that make up the sword blade.

Trace the pieces onto foamboard or cardboard. You end up with six pieces. Five of them make up the handle and one of them is the blade that was assembled from two template pieces. Long piece shown in the picture.

Cut the pieces out.

Glue together the three pieces of the handle as shown here. The slotted pieces is right in the middle. The blade will later slide into that slot.

There are two more pieces that are attached to the handle assembly. They are just guard pieces. Glue one on each side like you see here. One on top and one underneath.

The whole handle assembly ends up to be a stack of five pieces.

Use a ruler to draw two lines down the center of the blade. The lines are about a quarter inch apart. This is the fuller or blood groove.

Use a sharp knife to cut those two lines. Only cutting through the top layer of paper. Then peel away the paper exposing the foam underneath.

Use some sandpaper to dig out and form the groove a little bit.

Don't forget to do this whole process on the other side of the sword too!

Cut away the edges of the handle and the guard. This gives the sword a more sculptured shape. (We are looking for a beveled effect on these corners.)

Let's continue with the tutorial or watch the video tutorial below

United Cutlery UC2942 Glamdring Gandalf The Grey Sword

The Glamdring sword is 47 5/8-Inch(120.9cm) overall, featuring a stainless steel blade, solid metal hilt parts, faux blue jewel inlays, and a genuine leather-wrapped grip. It is presented with a wood wall display and includes a certificate of authenticity.

Elmer's Acid-Free Foam Boards, 20 x 30 Inches, 3/16-Inch Thick, 2 Boards per Pack, Bright White (902015)

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