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How to Create a Cosplay Weapons
The only way to make a cosplay weapon is the safe way--you do not want a real blade to be dragging around a convention.
How to Make a Lightsaber
If you're designing a lightsaber aren't required to follow the advice of the Jedi master "Do it or not. There is no try." The process of trial and error is in fact highly recommended! Also, in contrast to a standard cosplay sword, you can create a lightsaber with no blade. Here's a simple method for how to build a lightsaber.
Step 1: Search for the references
Are you a Jedi or a Sith? What you choose will influence the appearance of the lightsaber you build. Thankfully, there are plenty of references--including actual toy lightsabers--that you can use for your build. Focus on just a few important features instead of making every aspect screen-correct.
Step 2: Collect All the Materials
The light-saber's design is based upon the tried and tested classic of cardboard.
- 2 toilet paper rolls
- Extra cardboard sheets
- Hot glue gun
- Paints, primers, and brushes
- Hobby knife and scissors
Step 3: Assemble the Lightsaber Base
Toilet paper rolls serve as the basis of your lightsaber. Glue them together in a row from end to end. The rolls of toilet paper can seem flimsy so you can build up the thickness of them by adding layers of cardstock to the outside.
Using the extra sheet of cardboard, you can cut out small detail pieces that you've chosen to emphasize and attach them to the tube. It's all about symmetry. Placing each piece evenly on the handle can add the authentic look.
Step 4 4. Paint and Detail
And that's it! Although it's just the handle of the lightsaber the item will look fantastic hanging from your belt.
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What is a Phaser?
The two principals of sci-fi cosplay are Star Wars and Star Trek and you cannot have either without one of them. Also, the Federation phaser is equally popular as the lightsaber. Here's a simple phaser build that lets you take a risk and go places you've never done before.
Step 1: Locate Sources
It's true that the Star Trek phaser has gone through many iterations in the 66 years it's been in existence. You must do some soul searching--are you an Kirk or a Picard or a stan? When you are ready, the answer, will reveal itself.
In addition to your reference, you should take some measurements of the handle, main body, and tip of the blade. These measurements will help keep your proportions straight.
Step 2: Collect your materials
- EVA foam (of diverse dimensions)
- Hobby knife
- Contact cement
- Sandpaper
- Paints, primers, and brushes
Step 3: The Pattern
Utilizing the measurements that you made before, draw out the shapes of the phaser on the EVA foam using a marker. Make sure you focus on the larger forms at first--the details for each part will be added later. Slice the pieces with your hobby knife.
Step 4: Assemble and Shape
Begin gluing the pieces together with the contact cement. Once you finish a section--the barrel, for example--use the sandpaper to smooth the edges. If you've had to join several pieces, you may find they set unevenly. Sandpaper can fix those bumps.
Step 5 5. Detail and Paint
Again, metallic paint is your friend. You can also use slightly diluted black paint to add shadows to various parts of the design for them to really pop. Pretty soon, you'll be beamed up!
How to Make a Bat'leth
The yin to the phaser's yang, the bat'leth is yet another famous Star Trek weapon used by Klingons for melee fighting. It has a striking silhouette which is immediately recognizable, so getting the shape down is essential.
Step 1: Locate Sources
The fundamental form of bat'leth has a lot of consistency, but there are many variations on the main theme. There may be a variation that you like or create personal embellishments.
Step 2: Collect All the Materials
The build is made using cardboard or EVA foam, depending the materials you've got. Additionally, you'll require some of the following items:
- Hot glue gun, or contact cement
- Paper and pencil
- Paints and brushes
- Elmer's glue or wood glue
Step 3. The Pattern
With the help of the paper, sketch out the shape of the bat'leth using the paper. A majority of bat'leths are equipped with three handholds in the center of them and taper into blades at the points. You can find measurements for the bat'leth on the internet, which is extremely useful.
Draw your design on cardboard or EVA foam. Based on the thickness of your material it may be necessary trace your pattern at least twice. After that, you can cut both pieces and glue them together with the contact cement.
Step 4. Painting and Detail
Before painting, you'll want prior to painting, you'll need "prime" to the surface of your bat'leth by using the help of wood glue or Elmer's glue. This glue acts as a sealant and provides the surface with a more smooth surface so that paint can be easily set. Anywhere from three to six coats will suffice.
Once it's finally dried Paint and finish as much as you want. Last but not least, you need to paint the handles. The brown felt that is wrapped around the bat'leth handles approximates the look of leather. However, if you're adventurous and have the skills make your personal leather straps!
It's Time for Battle!
If you've been able to test some of these classic cosplay weapons There's no limit to the level of detail you can achieve with these weapons. In the near future, you'll have an entire range of costumes as well as weapons to fight any fight you encounter!
Get Started on The Journey of Your Cosplay Your Journey!
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