Graphite

Graphite, in regards to Belegarth, refers a core made from a graphite rod or tube. Graphite rods and tubes are some of the lightest cores available to the foamsmith today. There is no set standard for rigidity, weight, diameter, or length for graphite rods or tubes.

A popular source for graphite cores is second-hand golf clubs, where the head has been sawed off. Another source for graphite cores is through machine shops, where they are used for Injection tubes, stirring rods, and rollers. When choosing a graphite core, the foamsmith must be careful in selecting the right donor source, as there are many graphite manufacturers that produce brittle products. This defeats the very purpose of using such a core. Graphite, like kitespar and fiberglass, are meant to be multi-use cores, meaning the fighter should only have to replace the foam on the blade, not the core. This allows for a the recycling of the core, and reducing the cost of ownership over time. (Carbon Fiber is another very light core option that offers an outstanding lifetime, but is most often extremely cost prohibitive, therefore rarely a consideration when making weapons.)

In order to find good graphite cores, the foamsmith must dedicate extra time in looking for quality sources. This often means going to golfing shops and for the more frugal foamsmiths, yard sales and second-hand shops. These will often render the foamsmith the widest variety of choices at the best possible price.