Make a LARP sword out of EVA foam - Sting from LOTR!

[@ordnaelshideout]

As a LARPer myself, I can reassure you that people would definitely buy that Sting (and other items you made) from you!

[@mkdynasty272]

Facts. You're not wrong

[@mitchelltravis1187]

Note: When cutting through fiberglass put tape tightly around the core and cut your way around to prevent that little tear-out.

[@NeonLightedDreams]

A tip for preventing underspray with stencils is to hit it with a clear coat first, that way the underspray ends up being invisible!

[@SkillTree]

That is a GREAT tip! Thanks for the education!

[@christopherjones7191]

another good tip in a similar vein is to hit it with the same color as your base layer.

[@terryclark1586]

A shop would definitely be a good idea. I would be interested in buying some of the things you've made in the past.

[@geoffallert1921]

When you make something, it's not just the object. It the passion of the maker, the skill of the maker and the soul of the maker. Selling your products show that you're proud of your creation. Go forth and sell. Brother maker.

[@garygarrison594]

I’ve been kicking around the idea of making my own weapon like this for a while and could never get good instructions from anyone and never found a good KZbin video, I love seeing your creations. I was thrilled to see your video name when scrolling through my recommendations. Thank you and keep up the foam work and everything else. :)

[@OurClosetCosplay]

This turned out awesome! I'm so happy to see you took my larp weapon idea and made it real! Definitely helped me with tips for when I make my boffer wrench.

[@SkillTree]

For sure! Thanks for the recommendation! I hope you share what you make!

[@AzraelThanatos]

Isn't Sting also in the old animated movies. Also, rather than the hot glue, a better option would be to use some silicone caulk to build up around it, extending the trench for the core slightly and put a layer of the caulk down the center and press the core in, then use it the same way on the other along with your other glue option there. You can also use it along the join points to blend them together

[@over9000demonfurbies]

As a LARPer myself this looks amazing! Will definitely be passing this video on to then for the foam putty tip for detail work. Although there are some concerns. Some LARPs are very particular about how the weapons are made. Some require the tip to be foam core to better protect the players. Plus, with the plastidip and foam core, it makes the tip very flexible and safer.

[@SkillTree]

Great tips! Thank you so much. I will for sure try that on the next one. That said, do most LARPS just except store bought things? I imagine it is hard to police what is inside of a custome made piece.

[@garygarrison594]

@@SkillTree most larps in my experience do a test and inspect it to make sure nobody would get hurt, for example the foam nerf weapons are 9 times out of 10 a no go

[@over9000demonfurbies]

@@SkillTree I can't say for most larps but @Gary Garrison comment is pretty spot on. Most larps buy a product, test it and then determine if it is safe. Sometimes they will even deconstruct it to see the inside. Some cores are considered safe by some vs others For the larp I go to, we do allow some store bought, but have several ppl who play make weapons and are certified "weapons smiths" for the game. I would say the way you do yours is similar, but I'm not one of those smith's so I can't say for sure lol.

[@TokasageauX]

Thank you for explaning the core

[@tabletopmika4349]

I used to build my LARP swords with 3 layers of foam and rectangular fibreglass sticks. To prevent the stick from poking through the foam I glued to pieces of leather between the outer and the inner layers. I did the same to improve the durability of the cross guard and the pommel (each separate parts). To protect the foam and to prevent the paint from cracking I coated the everything with a mixture of paint and latex. To make the sword more comfortable to handle (squishy foam handles are crap) I wrapped a layer of lead cord (the one you use to weigh down curtains) followed by one or more layers of thick string and a layer of thin leather.

[@jeremyday6589]

Awesome that you're selling off your creations! I REALLY feel your pain in even the idea of letting them go, btw, so REALLY respect that you're in need of doing so - with that being said, I'd love to buy your coffee-making alchemy box :)

[@nottutorials2843]

I cannot think of a single craft you made that wouldn't find a happy buyer.. For real x)

[@marquezjeffers7171]

Yes! Open a shop!!! Please please please! Lol I'm huge fan of your channel. 😁

[@tisema17]

A charity auction for the stuff you made would be really cool!

[@johnbrandon5493]

"Maegnar is my name, I am the spider's bane." That's what the lettering says when translated from Quenya. A beautiful blade (although MY LARP would not allow it on the field)

[@zombiespock4512]

Maegnas...

[@bear788]

👍 Very cool Sting turned out great, it looked like it has a bit of mass to it when you were hitting your hand with it nice work. A store or auction is an excellent idea.

[@Commenter339]

Of course people would buy them. This is masterwork. Someone I know bought 2 LARP swords for 100€ each. And a custom-sewn simple navy woolen cape for a bit more than that. All of these were made my other LARPers-hobbyists, by the way, who have other things as their day jobs. I'm just saying, fans of the hobby are willing to splurge. You should know this:)

[@GwyllgiDog]

My son loves this idea. He wants to make a pirate sword using this method. Thanks!

[@poetessaloud9385]

I would love to buy your rangers pouch. So handy for foraging

[@calebstrege201]

Yaaasss! Make a shop there are plenty of people who don't have the time to make these projects but love your channel

[@alexandracoffin696]

Good lord, man! You were swinging that craft knife around as vigorously as your foam blank. Are you trying to end up like Frodo? Because this is how we end up like Frodo!

[@ashleya8532]

"Big ol' piece of tofu" 😂 definitely an awesome project! Was really cool to watch your whole process!

[@jayinthebay114]

Keep rocking out these awesome videos, doing a live sell or something along that line would be super cool.

[@GhostbustersXX13]

Personally, I really like the designs of the Hobbit Cartoon Movie, especially Glamdring, that version of String, and most importantly the cartoon BLACK ARROW.

[@heatherholland1051]

This video is great. It has given me a place to start with planning for She-Ra sword build for my daughter's halloween costume.

[@richardlittle4133]

Lovin' the idea of auctions. Would be cool.

[@MrKashaca]

Omg an auction would be super cool

[@mentalward4390]

When painting foam props you can use liquid craft acrylic craft paint just mix it 50/50 with Pros-Aide (medical adhesive for skin) this makes the paint flexible but will also make the prop sticky so you need to power it after the paint dries talc power works but will dull the colors just a bit.

[@alexandracoffin696]

Video/project request: Part 2 - Sting's sheath! Because you wouldn't want to give away your location with any blue-white when orcs are approaching.

[@Samoutz]

this looks great, I'm just WAIITING for that shop!!

[@MakerCuisine]

Man this came out awesome kit, really loved how you transferred the design to the sword. Way cool

[@thefriendlessgamer8552]

Airbrush medium works wonders for thinning paints for air brush.

[@traveling47]

I'd totally buy that sword. An etsy store could be a quick and easy answer for you.

[@DagrrMouse]

Great video man! A friend of mine that is a big leather worker turned me on to your videos and I've been binge watching the past few weeks. Its actually made me jump in and start some projects of my own, although im still very new at everything. Since you made the sword, how about a foam shield to go with it? I just started larping myself and it would be cool to try and build one along with you. I watched the Buckler video, but if I bashed someone with that spike..... they may not let me play anymore, lol.

[@TheMariusDarkwolf]

Great video as always @cl3ver. Something to mention, if you've not got a bandsaw, what you can also do is cut the general shape from the first layer of foam, cut your trenches, then lay the ros/dowel then put it on the second and cut that to match the first piece. Also though you sort of show it, need to mention using a mask or respirator when sanding and painting the foam. I'd love to see you doing a foam and LED project especially the addressable leds :D And yes I'd potentially be interested in purchasing some of the stuffs you've made

[@tylersherrill4366]

As someone who dapples in my garage/shop with everything from eva foam to metal, I would hands down purchase what you make! I am beginning to feel hard pressed to find a video on your channel that I haven’t watched and that to me shows that you have something that a lot of other people on youtube do not!

[@tisema17]

A way I finance my leather habits is ever time I buy a side of leather I cut two or three strips from it to make belts. I sell those and it tends to finance the stuff I buy to make cooler things with the rest of it.

[@benjaminjones2231]

I like the way you style this video so that it's informative but not boring, allowing us to stay invested in what you're talking about while helping be entertaining. Could you do some dnd character creater videos?

[@philkugler2429]

Really happy I found this channel. Nice job, looks great!

[@SkillTree]

I am happy you found us too! Welcome!

[@PCLHH]

7:18 Thanks for that pro-tip! lol

[@thee_number_six6227]

You have Sting which makes a good Dagger for a non-halfling, perchance you need a proper sword for a Ranger. I propose Andúril in honor of the Ranger made King Aragorn. Or perhaps a long sword for a mighty Wizard such as Glamdring The Foe Hammer. On another note, on small one off things like this you could make a two part mold and sell blanks in Silicone or Epoxy cast(with a rod insert already in place for larp swords) and post those in a store. It would let people buy them, add their Personal Flare, and fund future projects and tools in addition to Patreon(in addition to keeping the Middle Miss off your poop deck)

[@harrisonyoung987]

A shop would definitely be a good idea.

[@erichealey1434]

Another great episode. Keep up the inspirational work.

[@SkillTree]

Thanks! I am glad you are enjoying the content!

[@Rkurnelm]

A shop would be a great idea. There's a few things you've made I'd be very interested in getting my hands on lol.

[@SkillTree]

Great to know! I will start setting something up.

[@dustinflowers1914]

So, what I would have done with the paint, is Rub'N'Buff. It's a wax-based paint full of metallic powder. Rubbing it onto a black surface, you get both an effect where any weathering, battle scars, etc get missed by the paint leaving texture that adds to the metallic effect, and the ability to literally buff your paint to a glossy finish! I'd use that to hit all the metallic parts, buff it up nice, and then hit the whole thing with another coat or two of a clear plasti-dip to seal it! -Though, Rub-n-buff says it doesn't actually need to be sealed. ;)

[@ryemabrahamson]

I would absolutely LOVE to buy the things you make! PRO Tip: If you do an eBay or Discord auction, OR sell them “material cost + donation”, people will typically pay more for your items. I know I’d love to recreate everything you’ve made so far, but buying the tools needed AND materials to make them is just not as viable 😂 I neeeeed that staff chair or some leather scraps or even canvas that is weather proofed if you’re willing to sell left over materials from previous projects! I know that you don’t use everything, but if I go and buy everything you have, I’ll just end up with the same amount of scraps laying around 😂

[@katherinehartner6170]

This might be a bit outdated information, but if you have Adobe Illustrator there is a way to just create the outline of an object in an image without needing to physically trace it yourself. Still trying to find another software to use in place of Illustrator (I'm broke.)

[@scottmarvel4050]

I think that a shop would be awesome! Also I’m new to foam craft but would clear flex seal work to seal the paint?

[@SkillTree]

I looked it up. Some people said that the texture is too thick and comes out a bit rough. They said it is great for a "rusted metal" texture and for kind of a "zombie skinn" feel too. Most recomment "through the roof" though.

[@dearThax]

My understanding is flex seal is prone to cracking, and should be avoided. Through the Roof has to be thinned a lot, and takes weeks to cure, but is far and away the best sealant for larp boffers. I've always used two coats of Krylon clearcoat and been satisfied.

[@sososleeepy]

I wish you included the materials and tools in the video description, seems kind of like it’s always there for these types of videos? Love your channel though!

[@rockinrswoodshop]

Hmm, how about some mithral mail made out of foam? I know you can do actual mail but that would be a very long process and would be very heavy.

[@TytonidaeIndustries]

UGH, now you made me want to make my adventurer OCs weapons, in larp version... IM BROKE

[@brianvencill7449]

"Maegnas is my name; I am the Spider's Bane"

[@low-cozmic3364]

Love your vids, as usual! Thank you for the content.

[@SkillTree]

Thanks for watching!

[@low-cozmic3364]

@@SkillTree My pleasure

[@bar_library]

Thanks for the tutorial; my four-year-old has been begging for a foam sword, and the ones online are all cheap-looking. I didn’t get to shape and color it the way I wanted to. As soon as it was a recognizable sword shape he took it and insisted on painting it himself. Monochrome pink. Oh well. Maybe I’ll make my OWN SWORD with the leftover foam/rods/glue.

[@anonymous______1804]

You should use rectangular core that way the foam holds better, doesn't twist that much and the blade doesn't bend that much in the "edge direction" I would personally recommend 8*12 mm rectangular fibreglass core. Also wooden handle is much more comfortable than foam one (even better when wrapped in leather) also it generally is a good idea to use a metal pommel to balance the sword.

[@shannonbailey4317]

Later on at some point down the road the DAP you put into the holes in the the rubber flex plastic dip that that will crack your paint and stuff because it is most likely an acrylic and your dip is a urethane they're not compatible with each other but they will stick at first but about 6 months to a year later it's going to be some cracking any type of caulk would have been great just they need to be compatible like silicone or urethane to urethane silicone if it makes sense but you do great work dude just my two cents keep it up brother I love watching you videos

[@zeldfep]

I would absolutely buys something through an auction style thing, I'm probably a bit late but there a many websites that facilitate that sort of thig! Also why does this channel have so little subscribers I love this content its great!

[@silverhawk-117]

I would definitely buy anything you made in these vids.

[@cjtheprop-maker]

Had me at "Building Sting" lost me when you dissed the Hobbit movies.

[@therobotwolf]

This would be a fun project to make for the next ren fair. Also more and more I am wanting to get a cricut printer

[@therobotwolf]

Also as someone who has something you've made, the stuff is cool and it's fun being able to watch the video while having the thing in the video

[@SkillTree]

The cricut is CRAZY useful. I recommend for sure!

[@therobotwolf]

@@SkillTree Maybe when I have more room and money I'll get one

[@Struthio_Camelus]

@@SkillTree Doesn't Cricut have some kind of obnoxious subscription scheme where you are required to upload your design to their server for download to the cutter? I'd be pleased to learn that is not the case.

[@jedimastergarcia87]

I'd buy Sting if it was a bit bigger like from Bilbo's or Frodo's point of view :P Also huge Lord Of The Rings fan myself =] I actually have a foam Orcrist sword and its probably one of my favorites :P I just wouldn't over charge like a lot does though. I've been looking for the perfect sword to call my own, just haven't found it yet

[@billyholiday7292]

It’s -9 here we Will power through together ❄️

[@SkillTree]

Oh man! You win.... or lose... -9 sounds juuuust terrible lol.

[@LaineyBug2020]

I mean, if I had disposable income, I'd definitely buy like half your stuff. If I didn't get outbid... But it would be cool it you could find some kind of glow in the dark or uv reactive blue finish for that sword so it could glow blue when there were orcs around...or black lights...

[@SkillTree]

You are in my BRAIN bug! I THOUGHT I had some left over from a previous project but I didn't. Maybe I will still get some lol.

[@Papercut337]

I need to try my hand at this. I need a rapier and all I’ve found is either expensive as heck or not my style. Mainly expensive as heck. I have practice with boffers, so it shouldn’t be too bad

[@neisan92]

Hey, IDK if this helps anybody, but I have had a tone of luck making flexible paints with acrylic paints and water. I wish I was joking, but a thinned out cheap craft paint on EVA foam, Boots, gloves, masks ect that need to be flexible and a heat gun to quickly dry the layer and then adding several layers until you get you desired color has worked very well for me.

[@grillsidepickin2397]

I'd totally pick up some stuff from your shop! I like things, but suck at making!

[@roseramsey8512]

Yes! I would 100% buy the stuff you make

[@SkillTree]

Thanks!

[@really5194]

Did I miss something or there was no latex involved? I thought latex coating would be necessary to extend the life of the sword when used for actual LARPing (i.e. fighting) with it

[@the_real_toji]

My dude never disappoints

[@SkillTree]

Glad you enjoy the content!

[@the_real_toji]

@@SkillTree always!

[@richardruiz3654]

Hey Clever! great video. I think the shop idea if outstanding.

[@hajimichealis7922]

if you are going to do the auction, make sure that you make two of the items you make, one you keep one that gets given.

[@beckymurphy4714]

You should give it a coat of blue glow-in-the-dark paint so you know when orcs are near.

[@williamstewart1883]

Did you forget about the 1977 movie? What about all the other animated features?

[@SkillTree]

Never! The songs for the animated ones live rent free in my mind to this day!

[@williamstewart1883]

@@SkillTree same here my friend

[@starioncostumes]

Amazing tutorial - sadly, impossible to do without a workshop. Just see the amoung of EVA Dust the sanding creates.

[@NaturallyCreativeme]

I would love to see more lord of the rings inspired stuff. I love Tolkiens elves

[@chrisflesher8241]

Could you make an Atlantian Conan sword suitable for larping also would be willing to get a 3rd job for some o your fine work.

[@DollopussD]

Could you make the Morgul Blade, I need to watch an expert make one, I'm struggling 😅

[@backfromthedeadgamer9566]

You should do auctions for charities.

[@SkillTree]

Great idea!

[@KuraiLunae]

A bit late, but I 100% get what you mean by "amazing and awesome, but nobody would ever want it." I think it comes from having made it yourself. Like, you could do the best job ever, but it'll still feel like it's almost *too* home-made to be of actual quality, so nobody's going to want it. Trust me, it doesn't go away, but that feeling is (usually) wrong. People love this kind of stuff, even if they can't do it themselves, so being able to buy something like that (at a reasonable price accounting for labor, materials, etc) is almost a mark of honor or pride that they can support makers and creators. It's a weird space, but find the right folks, and you can absolutely make some decent money off it.

[@jls2569]

I would definitely be interested in buying some if you set up a shop!

[@ambuknight]

question is there a guide to makeing your own Larp weapons like those larp online stores sell?

[@michaeledwards525]

I would definitely want to buy some of the stuff you make it's absolutely awesome. I used to make stuff like that all the time but I have two little boys and life seems to get in the way unfortunately.

[@blakerz88]

What type of paint was used for brushing on? Latex based?

[@davidgarza2613]

Your stuff is great and I'd love to buy some

[@chronic_hatred2k22]

I'd buy some of these pieces of arts

[@MainStreetBusinessStrategies]

I just tried making my first foam item (a knife). I used the Plasti Dip... but it literally melted/disintegrated the foam.

[@SkillTree]

Oh no!!!! I have never had that happen before. Could you tell me the type of foam you are using?

[@bretlemieux2489]

How about a foam injected larp sword, As a thing to make?

[@dicesectiongamedesigns8594]

Noooo! For 2 years I had some foam for making corner protectors in the playpen. I gave up finding a for the off cuts and threw it out a month ago

[@DebbieBuckland]

both links to the new channels dont work for me....???

[@drewwendell]

What did you use as a "repositionable spray adhesive?" I've had terrible luck with the products I've tried.

[@lasgalon]

Adding red paint to brown to get a reddish brown color 🤯

[@titussturgeon5453]

You should try forging a sword next.

[@Floki1313]

Can you use that eva floor mat foam to make a dagger or sword?

[@sonicfreak04]

you could had heated up the blade and the guard and squished them into the elvish script detail

[@SkillTree]

Do you think it would be clear? I will have to give it a try!

[@sonicfreak04]

@@SkillTree kzbin.info/www/bejne/pXWsZGhnmteng5Y

[@somechannel8275]

Where does one get this forming foam in europe ? So far no luck with getting such for another larp-project.

[@redpandemic1081]

I really like your DIYs. I know there are tons of DIYs out there, yet let's face it, most are rubbish. From what I've seen so far, you really think things through and if things tend to look a bit off or sloppy, it's either meant to look like this or (like with the Boots) not 100% decided and you want to avoid having to start from scratch. What I mean to say is that your builds are actually high quality. And even though one could mention that there's still room to grow, you do so over the course of the videos. ...I don't want to know how many times you had to redo stuff before you could show it off. But towards your question, you do have the skill to make things people would like to buy. Especially LARPers or even just Cosplay enthusiasts. Many people want stuff that has personality. Not the "Bubenhemd Godwin" that they have at the next renaisance fair in stock and in the hundreds made in china, sold in their online shop. Individual gear is so much more satisfying. So yeah, give it a try. Without 2nd guessing or looking it up I wouldn't argue that i.E. 70€ would be a reasonable price for the calling Horn.

[@andregoldstein9686]

Honestly that's exactly what I think about the stuff I make

[@nicolthompson3093]

Would love the templates for this!!!

[@donniehodges9857]

have you tried foam board for swords?

[@SkillTree]

Not yet! Do they hold up well? I would think they are too ridged, no?

[@donniehodges9857]

@@SkillTree there is a site on you tube called storm the castle. this guy has made many swords. he could probably answer your questions about this