Nerf swords have only been on the market for a couple of years, but they have been a welcome addition to the range of toy melee weapons found under the umbrella of all other Nerf toys, including pistols, darts, super soaks and various others. products.

All of this was started more than 40 years ago by Parker Brothers, who sought to design sporting goods that could be used indoors without causing property damage or injury to people. Some of the early items included footballs and volleyballs, which are still in use today and can often be seen dumped along beaches and parks.

The design of the material is a safe chemically produced foam that is surrounded by a firm plastic rod. This gives the sword its relative strength despite its light nature. This combination allows for realistic sword fighting moves without the problem of causing actual bodily harm.

Although firmly marketed as a toy for ages 8 and up, these swords have also been wielded by older children since their inception and both teens and parents rate them highly through online reviews.

Nerf has been crafty enough to expand the range to include various swords along with other weapons like the mace and battle ax. These have been touted alongside tactical vests and shields that offer a perfect accompaniment to swords. Swords also vary in size and weight; the largest is almost too heavy for young children to hold, while the longest would in fact be taller than the average 8-year-old.

Below is a selection of the blades made by Nerf:

• Marauder Long Sword: the longest single sword in the range and also the heaviest, a very powerful melee weapon due to its dimensions. This Nerf sword comes in yellow / red and black.

• Shadow Fury: Although classified as a short sword, this blade still has a 32-inch punch and is available in blue.

• Stonewall Sword & Shield: more benefits for your money since you get two weapons in one package. The shield designed with defense in mind, although it can still be used to hit your opponent and the supplied short sword is really more of a dagger due to its short length. However, the shield is not very large, so it might be more suitable for the younger age range.

• Thunder Fury – Linked to Shadow Fury by design, this is a very similar sword that comes in a striking yellow color.

• Vantage: The Nerf version of the Claymore Scottish sword, which in reviews has been labeled as a stronger feeling sword and less prone to damage easily.

• Vendetta Double Sword – The longest and most variable Nerf sword that can be wielded as two blades simultaneously or when joined by the hilts, wields as a long staff / double sword. This sword is the weapon that opens up flexible fighting styles or could keep two kids happy at once for those on a tight budget.