OpenSwords - Arming Sword

OpenSwords: 95cm Arming Sword (Historical Fencing for Everyone)

OpenSwords is an open-source project that aims to make historical fencing accessible and affordable to anyone!

About the Arming Sword:
Historically, the Arming Sword was a single-handed weapon used throughout the medieval period. Unlike its larger cousin, the longsword, it was designed for quick, agile maneuvers and maximum compatibility with defensive gear. This OpenSwords model brings that historical design into the modern era as a dedicated training tool, specifically optimized for practicing authentic one-handed swordplay and shield work without the cost of expensive steel gear.

With this design, you can build a complete, balanced 95cm or 3ft training sword using only around 120g of filament (approx. 85g for the guard and 35g for the pommel and grip).

⚠ Crucial Material Warning

• DO NOT USE PLA: PLA is too brittle for impact or fencing practice and will snap dangerously.
  Use PETG or another high-strength, impact-resistant material.

• DO NOT USE CARBON FIBER (CF) FILAMENTS: Fencing wear-and-tear can fray CF plastics, leaving microscopic carbon fiber splinters that can easily embed into your skin.

🛠 What You Need (BOM)

• Core: 1x 3/4" Wooden Dowel (cut to length)

• Hardware: 6x #4 x 1/2" Wood Screws

• Printed Parts: 1x Guard, 1x Grip, 1x Pommel

🖨 Recommended Print Settings

The Guard (Heavy Duty)

Because the guard takes the brunt of the impacts, it requires highly specific settings to maximize structural integrity:

• Nozzle Diameter: 0.4 mm

• Perimeter Count: 10

• Top & Bottom Layers: 24 each (Yes, 24! This ensures a solid impact zone)

• Layer Height: 0.2 mm

• Infill Pattern: Gyroid

• Infill Density: 15%

The Grip & Pommel

These parts do not experience the same direct impact and can be printed with standard settings:

• Wall/Perimeter Count: 2 to 3 walls

• Infill Density: 15% (Highly recommended to maintain a realistic balance point for the sword)

Printer:
Creality Ender-3 V3 Plus.
-0.4mm nozzle

- do anything with this model i don't mind