While the glue is drying I’m turning to another part of the process. Decoration. This is not strictly necessary but I like to have a fairly fancy blade and after all the setting I’m using it in does have a fantasy element. (more…)
Foam-smithing Part 2
And then it all went horribly wrong!
The next step after cutting out the basic shape of the blade is to 
cut an edge for the blade.
What I wanted to achieve is shown in this diagram.
The grey areas are the areas that are going to be cut away down the length of the foam blade to give the foam sword and “edge”.
The best way to acheive this is one long smooth cut. I have seen a quote from one of the pro prop makers that “it gets easier after the first thousand blades”.
Part of the secret is not to stop, if you do you get a slight lump where the craft knife blade finishes and starts cutting again. I mark out the foam along the edge leaving a 2mm gap to be the swords “cutting” edge and mark out guide lines on the flat of the blade. (more…)
Foam-smithing
The new LARP season approaches and this year I wanted to have some new kit. My first project is to make a new sword. My current one is a little too long and has an over large pommel which hits the wrist when using.
The whole making kit is part of the attraction of the hobby as a whole to me. I There are many professional kit makers out there and it never ceases to amaze me what can be made out of what is essentially foam and latex. This sword will be my 6th (not counting two very basic ones I made about 10 years ago).
Have guitar will ROCK!
I got it! The Fender Squire Vintage Modified Telecaster Thinline I was after is now all mine. And wonderful it is too. (more…)
