I'm in the middle of nowhere relative to Belegarth and don't have much when it comes in the way of assistance in foamsmithing. I just play with friends casually and they use PVC + Pool Noodle + Duct Tape swords, so this doesn't need to be exactly perfect.

I was wondering if I could get some insight on the construction of stabbing tips. I've built a half dozen blue foam swords, and was looking at adding stabbing tips. I noticed that the internet suggests ensolite as the foam of choice. I've just got two questions:

1.) Is it possible to use regular blue foam to create a stabbing tip instead? Once again, we're not playing with Belegarth construction rules (although I've stuck to them thus far) so I just really need to know if it's reasonable.

2.) Where would I go to buy ensolite?

Start here:
Constructing a Blue Sword
Constructing a Club


Doesn't pass Belegarth rules and definitely wouldn't pass at national event. Nor would pool noodle + duct tape + PVC swords. Are you following the Belegarth ruleset for combat? If you're playing that any contact counts, blue foam will be fine. But if you're swinging and stabbing with a reasonable amount of force, that's going to be painful and potentially dangerous.

Make sure to attach caps on the ends of your PVC or you're going to go straight through your foam when stabbing/striking. Lots of potential for injury there.



Not sure if it's Ensolite, but Yoga Mats are a common material used to make stabbing tips. They hold up pretty well, and a $20 yoga mat from Wal Mart should be enough for all your weapon-making for quite a long time.




Where are you located? Have you had a chance to fight with more experienced people and/or look at weapons others have made?

Nope. Nearest realm is over 3 hours drive away. To clarify, it's Bel combat rules. Excluding me, no one is willing to put the time and effort (and minimal $$$) to build actual Bel weapons.

I'm building your basic blue sword. Out of blue foam. Kinda like I said. I haven't done duct-tape swords in a while. I was looking to expand my collection so I'd have Bel legal loaners, and I was asking after what I would need to do for a stabbing tip.

Could I get a link to a mat that would work?

Here you go: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Athletic-Wor ... /100108391

Should be available in any walmart. Alternatively, stadium seat cushions (or boat seat cushions) from a hardware/sporting goods store are ensolite. They're probably thicker than you need for a class 1 weapon, though.

I've used the aforementioned yoga mat for a number of weapons. I'd recommend two layers for single handed weapons and 3 for two handed.

Thank you very much. Almost done with the set now. Just have to sew the cover together (I hate this part...)

Super late to the party, but you can find video tutorials on a good handful of weapons, etc. over on the Boffer Basics Youtube channel.

You can also find build guides and a materials guide in the Belegarth Starter Kit. It also contains information on starting realms, making garb, and much more.

Short answer, *'s brand stadium seat (the all foam one with no cloth, frame, etc.) is perfect for stab tips.


Hope that helps some!


Oh, one more thing! I've heard Frost King pipe insulation is used commonly in Amtgard as a replacement for pool noodle as it's more consistent and hits better. I've never used it myself, but some people swear by it. That's if you're wanting to stick with simple and easy "slide on and fight" type swords, or if your buddies are.

Thanks Thurat. I'll see if I can convince the lazy people to swap to pipe insulation. Pool noodles are terrible and we all know it.

Also, I used the suggested fitness mat and it seems to work just fine. I finished the swords and everything is holding up just fine. Thanks for the help guys!

Check yard sales, flea markets and second hand stores for yoga/fitness mats. Common for people to get excited for exercise then give it up.