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Knowledge Base

“Knowledge is a weapon. I intend to be formidably armed.” ― Terry Goodkind

What is the best wood for a practice sword?


When selecting wood for a practice sword, it's ideal to choose a hardwood that possesses the necessary characteristics of strength, durability, and resistance to impact. Some of the commonly used and recommended woods for practice swords include:


  1. White Oak: White oak is a popular choice for practice swords due to its excellent strength, density, and shock resistance. It is known for its durability and ability to withstand repeated impact without splintering easily.
  2. Hickory: Hickory is another hardwood with high strength and toughness, making it suitable for practice swords. It has good shock absorption properties and is known for its resilience and resistance to bending or breaking.
  3. Ash: Ash wood is valued for its combination of strength, flexibility, and shock resistance. It has a straight grain, which makes it less prone to splintering or warping, and it offers good durability for practice swords.
  4. Hard Maple: Hard maple is a dense and strong hardwood that can provide a solid and durable option for practice swords. It has good shock resistance and is less likely to dent or break under impact.
  5. Beech: Beech wood is another suitable choice for practice swords. It offers good hardness, strength, and impact resistance. It has a tight grain structure, which contributes to its durability and resistance to splintering.


When selecting wood for a practice sword, it's important to choose a piece with minimal defects, such as knots or cracks, to ensure its structural integrity. Additionally, proper shaping, sanding, and finishing techniques can help enhance the durability and safety of the practice sword.


It's worth noting that the specific availability and suitability of different wood species may vary depending on your location and accessibility to particular types of wood. Consult with local woodworkers, suppliers, or martial arts instructors with expertise in wooden swords for recommendations on the best wood options available in your area.