Sword hit

Latex Foam sword. Lots of foam, cardboard, plaster, and PVC Pipe.

Wooden Sword Cut in different peaces and glued together. (Still dangerous thou)

Also I'm trying to think what would look better for an impact hit. Dust that appears once the target is hit. clothing that is torn? Remember this shot is to be in one take so there is no cuts in between.

Since I think about it too, I need to know how to make a safe bow and arrow cable that could be shot at a target.

anywho, i'd get a dense foam sword, if possible a polyfoam with some kind of stiffener/dowel rod in it so it'd hold its shape. paint it up all nice and pretty if it isnt already, you might be able to get one with small
blood "pockets" that you could fill with either blood or dust as you mentioned, you could modify it to do that as well. personally i think blood and torn clothing not dust.

clothing... just pre-rip it and tape the inside so when the sword hits it the tape breaks free.

later
Tom

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What everyone seems to forget is that once we look past race, religion, gender, and all that, everyone on this planet is first and foremost...

...a PERSON