/cgl/ - Cosplay & EGL

I'm in the process of making my first cosplay and I'm building Guts' raider sword from PVC and eva foam. I'm planning on using a heat gun and clamps to flatten the pvc (other than the handle) and I'm going to cut out a groove in the eva foam for the flattened PVC to sit in. I'm worried about the strength of the pvc though, the entire length of the sword is 80' and I'm afraid itll bend, especially with the eva foam weighing down the flattened part. It's not a very bulky sword, but it is long. Am I going to be alright, or should I try a different method?