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Use medium grit sandpaper (60 to 100 rating) to take off rough, irregular edges and burrs from the wood. Use firm pressure and to rub the wood with the sandpaper.  Be patient with this process. Sanding can take a while, but a well sanded sword will look more professional made. To speed up this process, you could clamp your sword to a work bench and use a hand sander. This will make your sword look stylish, but will also provide you a better grip on the handle when using your sword. Wind electrical tape around the handle of your sword to make a grip.  Sweat from your hand along with the force of hitting something with your sword can jostle it from your grasp if you don't have a grip. Alternatively, you can use duct tape for the grip of your sword. Different patterns/colors of tape can be used to suit your preference. A file will allow you to make more precise, deeper notches in the top of the handle and bottom of the blade. Take your file and remove wood directly above and below the cross guard. Using a file in this fashion will better separate your cross guard from the handle and blade the sword. Cut a piece of wood, plastic, or metal in a circular shape that is roughly 2 in (5 cm) thicker than your sword handle. Cut a hole directly in the center of this that is just barely larger than your sword handle.  Slide the separate cross guard piece up the handle. The guard should catch where the blade thickens and go no farther. To hold your cross guard in place, wrap twine or string around the guard. Alternate between the top and bottom of the guard so the string winds along the base of the blade and top of the handle. Tie the string off in a simple knot. Tie tassels to the base of the handle of your sword. Use a marker to draw designs on the blade. Etch designs in your sword with a knife. To make a sheath, cut one long sleeve off of an old shirt. sew one end of a long sleeve closed. Slide your sword inside, and you're done.

Summary:
Sand your sword blade, handle, and cross guard. Wrap the handle of your sword. File your cross guard to make it distinct. Add a separate cross guard piece, alternatively. Add accents to suit your preference and enjoy. Finished.