When there are dragons to be slain, monsters to defeat and ruffians to subdue—enter the sword-bearing boy! Oh, but first, dad has to create his Excalibur— from the fibers of a stout 2×4. With the outline of the blade rendered in simple Sharpie marker, Pappa, aka “master swordsmith,” sets about the task with a hatchet and knife to bring true form to the boy’s weapon of choice. Every detail is custom-crafted to suit the sword’s 8-year old master; from the single-beveled, double-edged blade to the carefully contoured handle. It will surely live through the ages in both fable and myth, and is bound to vanquish many foes and save more than a few imperiled maidens. At least until it gets lost….
