Professional latex sword making part 2

[Ratdad81]

I like the rivet idea. SImple, yet effective. Your tips definitely give me some ideas.

You mentioned you have a shop.  Is there an online presence I could check out?

[StoneGregory13]

Wait, but i could only find blue foam.

[ogunshi]

@omegastripe2 sounds like a personal problem

[UnicornFriends]

lol Warglaive of Azzinoth.

[HammerFall95]

What the fork did you do to get so epic good at this stuff?? art school? Practice like h***? what?

[Voltage767]

i feel like such a nerd, i know that sword. its Illidan's, it should be double sided at the end right? Good job btw

[ogunshi]

I really couldn't tell ya where it is from. The guy I made it for is a WOW fan and wanted the weapon. Yes it is double bladed

[mm1aa1x]

@Voltage767 its the warglaive of azzinoth there are 2 of them i am a huge wow fanboy so i know all the weps

[wardie1977]

you should come trade at the gathering event in the UK you would sell plenty of kit

[ogunshi]

I would love to. But I do believe that this current time and the depth of my pockets, such an adventure would no be able to happen any time soon.

[Gribbznezz]

so these swords can be used for larping battles and last a descent time or no, they're just for show?

[ogunshi]

They are like any other boffer weapon out there. They can be used for larp battles (as in the kind where you do not need to pull your swings) but also look good a tthe same time.

[Snufflaluffigus4]

i want to know how to make a latex AXE!

[ogunshi]

I'll be getting to that in a little while

[RuArutha]

Thanks Ogunshi! Cannot wait for the next part!

I've tried to make few latex weapons but they never survived more than 2 battles (I used steel rods for the core as light weapons are not allowed in our larp) so I hope to get few tips on how to improve on durability.

Do you have any experience with making molded foam weapons (e.g. Calimacil)?

[ogunshi]

Thank you for the comment. I should warn you that steel rods are BAD thing to use for a core of a weapon. That alone could make your weapon unsafe and not be able to be used. Use fiberglass rods and glue a bolt into the hilt end of the rod. It'll give it the extra weight AND balance your weapon for faster swings in combat.

As for making foam molded weapons, yes I do. I've been making them for several years now.

[RuArutha]

Hi Ogunshi, thanks for your quick reply. In that case I am looking forward to next parts even more! I believe more detailed and durable weapons can be made using mold and single piece/expanding foam. So far I've made weapons using technique of gluing sheets and cutting it afterwards, but it is only ok and definitely don't look as good as the ones that are for sale on the internet.

[itachi1303]

What Ogunshi said, DON'T use Metal cores.

I suggest taking PVC core, and then filling it with fiberglass resin.

[benzruler1]

ok so does the paint make it a latex blade?

[ogunshi]

no the fact that when it is finished the outter coating is going to be latex

[benzruler1]

and where would i get latex.? ive never used it and i dont think u have a vid up for it...:)

[Ryanbroon97]

online

[neon4901]

or it can be used just to have fun making it and knowing you accomplished something... id love to be able to know i created a sword. But i prob cant. lol

[ogunshi]

it is used for practice or sparing.

What's the point of practicing martial arts if you don't kill them?

[lkjfr]

fiberglass kite spar is used in these right?

[ogunshi]

that is correct

[skidude331]

exactly how "soft/firm" are these swords?

[sparten4003]

Thanks alot man. Can't wait till the next video

[taliesindubh]

will rubber epoxy eat away at closed cell foam? I am building a sword, and am wondering if I can use that at the point of the end of the fiberglass core.

[ogunshi]

It all depends on the kind you use. A lot of times it is hit or miss. The only way is to buy a bit of it and try it on a scrap piece of foam.

Foam is a strange animal. You can use one type of glue just find and another well eat right through it while a third won't even stick to the foam at all. like I said a LOT of this is trying things and use what works.

[PuppyZwolle]

Got a tip for you. Use gesso as a primer and sealer. It is an all purpose primer for art stuff. It is very 'sticky' and shock resistant. It will not flake even after serious combat.

It may seem somewhat expensive but it isn't. You use less, get a smootherresult and it will last way longer.

[bumratbob]

thats what she said

[ogunshi]

All together for the first sword about $100 bucks. Every one after that would be only the cost of materials which is about $20 or so.

This process teaches you how to make a mold so you can make many copies of a blade. Good for units and large groups

[InquisitorRayne]

Best tutorials for latex weapons, hands down! ^_^

[zig3]

this is really cool, so far

[bleach139]

dude! ive been wanting to LARP for a really long time lol, and if u really want ill video tape myself doing it when i get the chance :D, the only thing is that u'd have to do Kung Fu lol or Taekwando, because i am trained in both lol. i really enjoy the vidoes man keep em comming!

[ogunshi]

Not a problem. I'm hosting a class of it in a week or two, I'll bring my camera along.

[nekoheehee]

quite awesome :D

you wouldn't believe the trouble I'm having finding a hot wire cutter. I've been to 2 different walmarts and a Michel's Art store. I have 2 more stores to check today but if I can't get one there I'll have to go online.

and a question about hot wire cutters. will they cut through DAP contact cement? until I can afford some latex I'm playing with making foam mat weapons. so far it's going pretty well :D

[ogunshi]

I like to save the time and just order my things from online. It makes things a less stressful in the long run.

[nekoheehee]

ok well I have to run out anyway so I'll order it tonight.

so how capable are wire cutters when it comes to cutting though DAP layered foam? I'm a tad worried about it not cutting too well through the DAP.

[ogunshi]

If yoy use DAP on the foam, it'll melt the foam. This is why I say use Elmers school glue