I researched, but now I just have more questions
Monday, November 29, 2004
So, I think I may have read every "how to make swords" guide there is to read. I can practically rattle off specs for 5 different LARP leagues, the old and new ARMA designs, as well as some wired Squirrel league (don't ask me, it was traumatic). The problem with having done this research, REV, is that now I simply have more questions.
What types of foam will we be allowed to use? After two days of searching I fold a great, cheap, outlet for EVA (aka Evalite & Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) I found one that people seem to be pretty comfortable with. And, while I think lots of the LARPers seem to really really like it, ARMA doesn't say a damn word about using EVA. ARMA just says that not using Landau or the L2000 foam will cause weight problems. However, nobody else makes perfectly weighted weapons and I haven't found an outlet for either the Landau or the L2000. The EVA is also a closed cell foam available in several thicknesses. I am, however, all in favor of ruling out the camping pad as legal foam.
What material will we use for the core? Lots of people seem to like PVC with a dowel fixed in the center for added support. What about the new ARMA design? I have one piece of Oak 3/8" thick by just under 1.25" wide and well long enough to make a double handed long sword.
How long should we make our first swords? I really kinda want to make one that has a 33" blade and an 8" handle just because I played with some yardsticks the other day at the flea market and thought the size was impressive and looked well balanced. (Yes I know I am a size whore) Apparantly swords can have anything from a 16"-36" blade and the handle simply needs be no longer than half the blade length.
What about covering? I am partial to Gaff tape, because I am a nerd like that, but will it be allowed? Almost EVERY pattern I have found uses Duct tape.
What about the cloth covering? I have seen materials from socks (bad) to jean (apparently heavy) being suggested to cover a boffer blade.
Do we need to make soft pommels? Will we be hitting people with them? Are we worried about them causing damage? I found some patterns for some cool ones, but won't work if we have to make them out of foam. Won't making them out of foam defeat the purpose of having pommels? The easiest by far, so far, seems to be stiff hose or foam wrapped wood.
Of coarse there is always the PVC wrapped with a pool noodle. For people who are above larpers and just wanna have fun, it seems to be the most common form of boffer made today. They are cheap, padded, and can be weighted to balance correctly. However they will never come close to the feel of a real sword (so I am told) and they don't look too cool. It seems a bit sissy to swing a foam rubber bat and pretend it is a weapon. I am open to what the flock does, however.
Where is the center of gravity on a real sword? I found some knockoffs at pawn shops and they all seem to have their center of gravity about 3 inches toward the tip from the pommel. The scary part being that length didn't seem to matter.
As far as the 14th or 15th century sparing rules, I don't really have a big opinion either way. 14th century seems to be less rigid, and this may be good for us starting out, also there is a lot more hit as hit can, or so it seems. The 15th century rules seemed to me to be more about the sport and less about practicing to kill one another at a less opportune time. 15th century chivalry seems more civilized, and romanticized than 14th does.
I think, bottom line, on all this one we need to go with whatever makes the Rev. more comfortable.
posted by ZEUS @ 10:04 PM,
