Make an Anglo-Saxon Sword

Anglo-Saxon warriors fought on foot during battles. They carried spears, axes, swords, and bows and arrows. The most common Anglo-Saxon weapon was a spear, and the most precious was a sword. It took hours for a blacksmith to craft an iron sword into shape.

Anglo-Saxon swords were made of two-edged straight, flat blades, and the handle (or hilt) had an upper and lower guard, and a grip by which the sword was held. These weapons could be elaborate decorated, and the sword found within the Sutton Hoo hoard had a gold handle with precious stones set into it.

– Laura Peck

Adult supervision is not required for this activity.

  • Type of Activity : Crafting
  • How many people required (minimum) : 1
  • Safety Measures : Please ask an adult to help you with using scissors and craft knife.
  • Ages : 8+
  • Time Required: 1 hour

Step 1

Lay your cardboard piece out on a hard surface.

Step 2

Use a ruler to measure out the blade of the sword. This one is about 60cm long but you can make it any size you want.

Step 3

Draw the hilt at the bottom of the blade. You can use a picture for reference and make sure that you will be able to hold it.

Step 4

Use a pair of scissors or a craft knife to cut out both the blade and hilt of the sword as one piece.

Step 5

Now you can make your sword more realistic by using any decoration that you have laying around. For example, you could paint the bland with silver paint or use tin foil to wrap it. Use sticky tape to keep it connected to the blade.

Step 6

Use paint to decorate the hilt of your sword.