Frank 1.5
For a few years I’ve struggled to develop a realistic striking dummy for both sword and spear. I have wanted a striking dummy that could take full force strikes, thrusts, and slashes, and hold up to the abuse various forms of impact can cause.
I’ve played around with several designs, but many were too bulky, and couldn’t withstand much abuse. Or they were not sturdy enough to take blows, and when struck simply fell over and/or apart. In either case none of these designs were very practical.
In addition I wanted my dummy to be average height, (about 5foot 9 inches tall) with various targets one could attack. Basically, I wanted a dummy that was as versatile as possible, but which wasn’t extremely heavy and didn’t take up to much space in the school.
A few weeks ago I finally built such a dummy, I’ve nicknamed “Frank 1.5.”
Basically Frank 1.5 is made of old used tires, and recycled lumber, however though made of scrap materials he is designed to take almost every imaginable attack one could think of, from the tip of his head, to his legs, (sorry, but I couldn’t figure out how to make feet).
So far since his construction we have tried are best to break Frank 1.5, or at least pinpoint his weaknesses. While we managed to break one white oak bokken, a 26 inch police baton, and a jo while striking Frank 1.5, he has shown no signs of damage or even wear and tear.
I realize that Frank 1.5 might hot be the most handsome dummy ever built, but he is 100% functional and that what counts. I should also note that while I like to build things out of wood, I am in no way shape or form a carpenter. If something can’t be built with a screwdriver, hammer, and handsaw it doesn’t get built. So given my limited abilities and shortage of proper tools I’m very happy with the way Frank 1.5 turned out.
Another nice element of Frank 1.5 is that he is designed so one can also practice thrusting, both with a wooden spear or a real one—though I imagine Frank 1.5 will most likely need to have his face replaced if we use a sharp sword to often.
Like I said Frank 1.5 is still is still under evaluation, but so far he seems to working out just fine.
Total Cost - $ 0.00 (All materials were scrap and donated.)
Total time – Approximately 25 hours most of which was used to cut and drill holes in the tires.
I’ve played around with several designs, but many were too bulky, and couldn’t withstand much abuse. Or they were not sturdy enough to take blows, and when struck simply fell over and/or apart. In either case none of these designs were very practical.
In addition I wanted my dummy to be average height, (about 5foot 9 inches tall) with various targets one could attack. Basically, I wanted a dummy that was as versatile as possible, but which wasn’t extremely heavy and didn’t take up to much space in the school.
A few weeks ago I finally built such a dummy, I’ve nicknamed “Frank 1.5.”
 Click for full size |  Click for full size |
Basically Frank 1.5 is made of old used tires, and recycled lumber, however though made of scrap materials he is designed to take almost every imaginable attack one could think of, from the tip of his head, to his legs, (sorry, but I couldn’t figure out how to make feet).
So far since his construction we have tried are best to break Frank 1.5, or at least pinpoint his weaknesses. While we managed to break one white oak bokken, a 26 inch police baton, and a jo while striking Frank 1.5, he has shown no signs of damage or even wear and tear.
I realize that Frank 1.5 might hot be the most handsome dummy ever built, but he is 100% functional and that what counts. I should also note that while I like to build things out of wood, I am in no way shape or form a carpenter. If something can’t be built with a screwdriver, hammer, and handsaw it doesn’t get built. So given my limited abilities and shortage of proper tools I’m very happy with the way Frank 1.5 turned out.
 Click for full size |
 Click for full size |
Another nice element of Frank 1.5 is that he is designed so one can also practice thrusting, both with a wooden spear or a real one—though I imagine Frank 1.5 will most likely need to have his face replaced if we use a sharp sword to often.
 Click for full Size |
Like I said Frank 1.5 is still is still under evaluation, but so far he seems to working out just fine.
Total Cost - $ 0.00 (All materials were scrap and donated.)
Total time – Approximately 25 hours most of which was used to cut and drill holes in the tires.
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