At some point in time you’ve probably picked up a long cardboard tube and started swinging it around, making lightsaber sounds; that is, until the cardboard broke. But now that you’re older (or maybe not), you can 3D print yourself an upgrade!
A collapsible sword features a segmented blade that can retract into the hilt. As a result of not being one solid structure, these swords are weaker than regular swords and can’t be used for more physically taxing applications, like serious duels.
However, 3D printed collapsible swords are more compact and take up little space. They can even be completed in one print, whereas a solid sword would need to be printed in multiple pieces and assembled afterward. As an added bonus, a retractable blade is unlikely to do any serious damage and can be used as a toy.
There are many 3D printable collapsible sword models available on repositories, from lightsabers to medieval swords! In this article, we’ve curated a list of some of our favorites. If you see one or more you’d like to add to your stash but your printer’s isn’t collaborating, check out Craftcloud by All3DP. In just a few clicks, you’ll have a 3D printed collapsible sword at hand.
Let’s get started!
Chevalier
First up, this collapsible sword measures 120 cm when fully extended. One nice feature is that the blade can be replaced if it breaks from rough handling. This is especially helpful if the print is intended for small children, as the creator mentions in the comments.
The creator recommends a 0.28-mm layer height for printing the hilt. The blade can be printed in parts or as a print-in-place model, separate from the hilt and without supports. There’s also a 65% scale version provided for younger sword wielders.
- Who designed it? Brixodin3d
- How printable/popular is it? This sword has 16 makes on Printables with many positive comments and over 1,000 downloads.
- Where to find it? Thinigiverse, Printables
Short
Large swords are always cool, but smaller, 3D printed retractable blades can also come in handy. A smaller blade prints faster and can be used by those with small hands. This model can also be a great way to try out printing models with retractable parts before printing a larger sword that requires more filament.
It’s mentioned in the model description that, in order to print this short sword successfully, you’ll need to use the correct settings. However, no values are provided. Despite this, those that printed this retractable sword had no issues and one maker mentioned that it printed well in PETG.
- Who designed it? Legofreak
- How printable/popular is it? 3 people posted makes and nearly 500 have downloaded it so far.
- Where to find it? Printables
Lightsaber
Collapsible blades lend themselves well to lightsabers, so it’s no surprise that there are many 3D models available of these popular weapons from the Star Wars universe. What makes this 3D printable blade stand out is the locking mechanism that prevents the blade from randomly extending.
In response to issues makers had when printing the blade, the creator recommends opting for a 0.9-mm wall thickness in vase mode. They also mention that sanding might be required to ensure the parts fit well together. In the end, the work is worth it!
- Who designed it? ZaphodBeebleb
- How printable/popular is it? This sword has 8 shared makes and over 600 downloads.
- Where to find it? Printables
Banana
A retractable sword is great and all, but a retractable banana sword is even better! This model was remixed by the creator from several others across the internet. They must have done a good job because it printed well for many makers, according to the positive comments. The sword is composed of many parts, so 3D printing and assembly may take some time.
Several makers found that a raft was necessary to keep the blade stable while printing and others mentioned that they used supports, presumably to print the overhangs in the hilt.
- Who designed it? international_man_of_mystery
- How printable/popular is it? This sword has 18 makes, many positive comments, and over 5,000 downloads across both sites.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse, Printables
Master Sword
While the Master Sword does not collapse in Zelda games, a retractable blade sure makes it cooler! This model is perfect for Zelda fans and can be used for display purposes. The designer made this 3D printable sword for their son over the course of multiple months.
PETG is recommended for printing the blade, which should improve its strength. It’s recommended to print the blade pieces in vase mode with the extrusion width double the size of the nozzle diameter. The hilt, on the other hand, should be printed in PLA at a 0.2-mm layer height. The hilt consists of many parts that need to be glued together. The designer states that supports may be needed to print the threads of the cap and also that it’s possible to scale the sword down to 80%.
- Who designed it? GeoPrints13
- How printable/popular is it? This sword has 11 makes, 1 remix, and over 2,000 downloads.
- Where to find it? Printables
Katana
This list would arguably not be complete without including a model from 3D Printing World, the designer of many collapsible swords. Among these are multiple katana iterations, such as this model. This katana has been designed to be printed with a multicolor setup, such as the Bambu Lab AMS or Prusa MMU. However, there is also a regular version available for single color prints.
This sword was designed to be printed with a 0.4-mm nozzle at a line width of 0.43 mm. 3D Printing World also published a test print to help you calibrate the slicer settings and successfully make one of their sword models. You’ll find more information about print settings on the maker’s website.
- Who designed it? 3D Printing World
- How printable/popular is it? This sword has 17 shared makes and over 5,600 downloads.
- Where to find it? Printables
License: The text of "6 Amazing 3D Printed Collapsible Swords in 2024" by All3DP is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.