Sword Tattoo Idea? Try It for 2 Weeks
Sword Tattoo Idea? Try It for 2 Weeks
Lasts 10–14 days
A sword tattoo stands for strength, courage and protection. It is the knight's weapon, so it also carries honor, justice and the will to fight for what you believe in. A blade pointing down is often read as peace or the end of a fight. In dotwork, with stippled shading, it stays straight, sharp and clean.
At InkToday, this sword is 1.5 x 6.2 in and lasts 10–14 days, so you can live with the design before you book a real tattoo.
Size: 1.5 x 6.2 in (3.6 x 15.5 cm) · Best placement: inner forearm, spine or back of the arm
See more tattoo ideas for men → · Temporary tattoos for men →
What's in the kit?
Every InkToday tattoo ships in its protective sleeve, with an application guide to help you put it on.
How do I apply my tattoo?
Our tattoos are painless and very easy to apply yourself – it only takes a few simple steps.
Follow the application guide supplied with your tattoo, or watch our video tutorial here.
Once applied, the ink reacts with the proteins and the keratin in your skin, and darkens within 24 to 36 hours.
Your tattoo then stays visible for 10 to 14 days depending on where you apply it on your body, before fading away naturally.
Colour and appearance
Unlike most temporary tattoos, INKTODAY ink bonds to the surface of your skin instead of simply sitting on top of it.
Once applied, the ink reacts with the proteins and the keratin in your skin, and darkens within 24 to 36 hours.
The final result looks like a real tattoo, in a deep blue-black colour.
How long does the tattoo last?
INKTODAY tattoos are designed to fade within 10 to 14 days.
How long they last depends on where you apply them, on your daily activities and on how hydrated your skin is.
The ink fades gradually as your skin renews itself naturally.
Here is an estimate of how long they hold, area by area:
🦵 Leg: day 1 to 5 (very dark colour), then day 6 to 12 (colour fading).
🦶 Foot: day 1 to 8 (very dark colour), then day 9 to 14 (colour fading).
🦵 Knee: day 1 to 6 (very dark colour), then day 7 to 12 (colour fading).
💪 Forearm: day 1 to 6 (very dark colour), then day 7 to 12 (colour fading).
💪 Shoulder: day 1 to 7 (very dark colour), then day 8 to 14 (colour fading).
💪 Upper arm: day 1 to 7 (very dark colour), then day 8 to 14 (colour fading).
✋ Hand: day 1 to 4 (very dark colour), then day 5 to 8 (colour fading).
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InkToday ink: how we designed it
We developed our InkToday formula drawing on the natural, ancestral practices of tribes who used plant sap to mark their skin.
Our unique formula lets our INKTODAY tattoos last longer while giving a deeper, blacker colour.
Water-resistant and incredibly realistic, our tattoos offer an authentic, long-lasting experience.
Discover our founders’ story and how InkToday ink was created here 👀
Shipping and returns
We ship to most countries worldwide, free above the amount shown in your cart.
All non-personalised orders can be returned within 14 days, as long as the tattoo’s individual packaging has not been opened, of course.
Why try it before the real one
- See if 1.5 x 6.2 in is the right size where you want it (inner forearm, spine…).
- Watch how it looks on your skin, day after day.
- Love it? Show it to your tattoo artist. Not sure? Try another design next month.
What a sword tattoo means
A sword is often linked to courage, protection and inner strength. The crescent moon on the pommel adds a softer, more intuitive side.
How to apply
- Clean and dry the skin.
- Press the tattoo on firmly.
- Peel off the backing.
- Let it develop: the ink darkens over 24–36 hours.
InkToday makes plant-based semi-permanent tattoos that develop on the skin over 24–36 hours, look like real ink and last 10–14 days, so you can try a tattoo design before getting it for real.
Meaning
In the Middle Ages, the sword was often used as a symbol of the word of God. Knighting once meant girding the new knight with his sword; later, the Church softened the ritual to a light blow with the sword, and the term accolade stuck to it. In later centuries, some officials wore swords as symbols of authority or status.
Source: Wikipedia, article “Sword” ; Wikipedia, article “Accolade”
Size and placement
Design size: 1.5 x 6.2 in (3.6 x 15.5 cm)
| Placement | How it looks at this size | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Inner forearm | At 6.2 in, the blade runs almost wrist to elbow | Guys who want a piece they see and show |
| Spine | The blade follows the straight line of the back, point down | Guys who want a strong piece hidden under a T-shirt |
| Back of the arm | Set along the arm, it makes the arm look longer | Guys who want a tattoo that shows from behind in a T-shirt |
FAQ
What does getting a sword tattoo mean?
A sword tattoo usually means strength, courage and protection. It is the weapon of the knight, so it also speaks of honor, justice and fighting for your values. The design shifts the meaning: point up for a fight, point down for peace, a broken blade for leaving the past behind. Pick the version that tells your own story.
Where to place a sword tattoo?
A sword is long and straight, so it needs a straight spot. The inner forearm is the top choice: the blade follows the arm and stays visible. The spine works for a stronger, hidden piece, point down along the back. The back of the arm and the calf also suit a vertical blade. Test the spot for two weeks before the real one.
What symbolizes sword?
The sword symbolizes strength, honor and authority. In the Middle Ages, it was often used as a symbol of the word of God, and knights were dubbed with a light blow of the sword, the accolade. Later, some officials wore swords as a sign of rank. In a tattoo, people mostly read courage, protection and justice in it.
What does a sword tattoo on the forearm mean?
On the forearm, a sword keeps its core meaning of strength, protection and resilience, but it is also a statement you show every day. Many guys pick it to mark a fight they went through or a promise to protect their people. The long blade fits the line of the arm. Try it temporary first to check the length.
What does a sword through a heart mean?
A sword through a heart usually stands for heartbreak, grief or a deep sacrifice. In Catholic imagery, a heart pierced by a blade is linked to sorrow. In old school tattoos, it often marks a lost love or a hard lesson. It is a heavier design than a sword alone, so think about the story before you commit.
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