I saw and watched your last video, same thing Im gonna say now, Best thing Ive seen so far, with the exception of 3 other people on youtube. This one was just as helpful. I like the first video, because of realistic it came off as, but this one was better. In short, please keep making more of this videos, please. Thank you for the how to. It helped me and it gave me more ideas... Thanks
Charlie Red looks really cool. What is your preferred fighting style? like weapon, stances, offensive, or defensive and what would you recommend me trying to learn to get better?
Hey I wanted to comment and answer questions the poster did not, the tool he is using to cut the foam (I believe) is a painters tape knife, you can find them at walmart, I had to sharpen mine, I used a smith abrasives 2 in one carbide and ceramic sharpener, also available at walmart in the sporting good section for around $4, and "Blue Foam" is Bel/Dag slang for ozark trail camp pad, walmart, sporting goods/camping for around $6-$8
When I first started watching, I was like, "Uhhh, you could try using a smaller knife." I was immediately schooled by his talent with giant sharpened construction tools. This is an incredibly nice tutorial. I even went back and watched it a second time just for fun. I did have a question, though: what was the purpose of wrapping the guard with strapping tape before switching to the gaffer's tape?
I can't remember the game name, it's really popular in north NJ. I'll try to look it up. I was commissioned to do 3 weapons for a game shop there and they failed all my weapons. They say no metal anywhere (including non-striking surfaces). the thickness of the blade, not on the striking edge, but the width of the blade needs an inch of foam. Also this place frowns on blue foam because "it loses it's elasticity too fast" and "turns to dust under the cover". Like I said, its a business nightmare.
I have a few Qs 1). where can i buy that square fiberglass rod at 2). what kind of tape is that clear type on the sides and around the guard 3). any over advise would be helpful thank you
I suggest googling "fiberglass bar stock", and looking around. It's unlikely you'll find square fiberglass in stores, so you'll likely have to buy online. If searching that doesn't work, try "1/2 square fiberglass dagorhir" and look around for suggestions by other, much more experienced players than I.
If you don't have stadium seating then Yoga Mat from Walmart will do just as well. If you guy's wan't an awesome box, using floor mat from Walmart, as well (found in the exercise department) works incredibly good. It's sturdy and won't "core out" as quickly.
it drives me crazy -_- i cant find any of the metirials in my country (maybe with a lot of search i can find some) but does any1 have any idea to help me?
Hey charlie. awesome video. i wanted to ask where you got that razorblade thing? Also, have you tried out the wilson wrap that is shock absorbent? it's a bit more expensive but it works awesomely. gives you great grip and makes it to where shock won't make you drop your weapon.
48" minimum length. Do not build a red sword any longer than the minimum length following this tutorial as it will not pass hit, Also make certain that you are using a satisfactory core, i prefer 1/2" square for min reds.
Minimum overall length 48 inches for a red weapon. A min spec red Longsword/Bastard Sword with a stabby tip would probably be one of my preferred dag weapons. Such a versatile sword. A good balance of speed and reach and it has a lot of damage types and functions in one weapon. Can use it comfortably one handed for blue and one handed green damage with a shield for extra defense or use an off hand weapon. And in situations facing up against opponents with a lot of armor and/or big shields you can toss aside or sheath/hang your shield or off hand weapon to go two-handed for red and two handed green damage to break shields and kill heavily armored opponents faster.
i suggest useing washers instead of nickles for the counterbalance: this ensures that when someone steals your sword and tears it apart they wont make any profit
And sorry I was away form the computer most of the day and hadn't had a chance to reply. The game I got commissioned for, by the shop owner, was called something simple like Quest. It's a smallish group, but the owner offered me $600 for a dozen weapons, provided my samples passed one of the testers. I was also given the option for containment if I wanted for anything past the first $600 worth. An order like that can be done in no time, so I jumped on it with the hopes of future jobs.
For a beginner, would you recommend building it buying First? I looked at forge foam for a purchase but as a part time worker full time student dropping 60 bucks on a sword is a bit much in my mind. What's your reccomendation?
No, way more foam needs to go on reds, and reds also need stronger cores, such as 1/2 inch square fiberglass (as opposed to this 3/8 inch square fiberglass) or 5/8 inch round fiberglass. You can still utilize some basic ideas from this tutorial, but not everything is quite effective.
Turns out their rules were way above the average, though I was told otherwise, and all I managed to sell was some left over stock of warhammer terrain. He was impressed by the look of my weapons but said I wasn't concerned enough about safety, so I lost the deal. I dealt with several people from a game called Mystic Realms in around the same area and it was the opposite, but it was no $600+ a lasting business relation.
I really hate how systems have so dramatically different legal weapons. A place I know would turn that sword away in a heart beat because it's not thick enough, the stabbing tip isn't thick enough, it has a metal core pommel, and the cover is not glued to it. On the other hand I know places where the tip is overkill. I tried making boffers professionally, but there are so many things that are legal in some rulesets and not in others, it makes it almost impossible to run a business out of it.
It's more of an advanced tutorial, you might get a better idea if you watch the first one. This video was uploaded back when there was a time limit to videos, I may go back and release the full video without cuts.
I can see this video being good for people who have made them before but as a first time person, I have no idea what's goin on half the time and it seems like you didn't go over every step. Example: Your first step looks like about the third or forth step cause I have no idea how you made whatever it is you start with. Also, having a material list is almost crucial to any tutorial video. I can tell you know what you're doing so I'd recomend reshooting this video with more detail and not skipping steps.
As a Dagorhir foamsmith I can kinda follow what's going on here without explanations and whys and whats but for beginners this tutorial doesn't explain anything. I use PVC all of the time as core, it passes just fine as long as the weapon is made correctly and not too-long that it creates too much flex. Having no audio to explain each step and why each step works the way it does is counter-productive, it doesn't teach the noob. Having the video jump around without explanation also is not helpful.
What game would you be failing this weapon for? There is not a metal core, it's fiberglass. The counter weight is on a non striking surface, AKA the pommel. The stabby for you not being thick makes you a noob. Marine foam is the new age stabbys get with the times.. How is it not thick enough? It passes the dimensions for all games. You can't fail it for dagorhir or Belagarth. it's 100% legal. Garanteed. You need a 2.5" Pommel for amt. This also has nothing to do with business.
Wow you got defensive fast. I was just trying to make conversation. God damn. Sure the bigger games have some standards, but those aren't always the ones that have a market to get into. Example, I have a hard time selling anything to Nero players because the community is so large there are tons of weapon makers locally. I know what Drachenfest is, and it looks amazing. I'm subbed to a couple dozen larpers as well as a german guy who goes yearly and post videos.
This will pass for the three most popular battle games. other games that don't follow this minimum build standard are being overly safe. We will eventually graduate into latex weapons as the years pass. I agree on the blue foam, but to get something built and on the field from local stores, this is the way. The new blad foam style is to use 4 pound box foam.
That penny is a serious safety hazard. Personally saw it happen. The penny will come loose and when a swung sword is stopped by hitting a shield or other object or person, that penny comes flying out at a good speed. Suggest a small piece of leather.
You've witnessed the true rarity. It has not been an issue with us and we've been doing this 20+ years. Leather is a good option as well, however a penny can be just as secured.
I should add, I'm sure your weapon is fine for your game, and many others. I'm just sick of all the different standards nation wide. I mean I've dealt with games that don't allow fiberglass cores because "they're wipe like and dangerous" even if you show them its not. I dealt with a place in Phili that required the weapon be 100% covered with foam, including the handle. There's just no standard.
Dagorhir, Amtgard and Belegarth and the largest battle games out there. Any other game is nothing in comparison. Following this, your sword will be legal for 90+ percent of games. Small time LARP have crap standard for weapons and in the US know nothing of the weapons real big LARPs use in Canada, France and Germany. Check out Calimacil weapons. Then look up the Drachenfest. You still have yet to mention a game and it's annoying thus making me think you have no experience.
I saw and watched your last video, same thing Im gonna say now, Best thing Ive seen so far, with the exception of 3 other people on youtube. This one was just as helpful. I like the first video, because of realistic it came off as, but this one was better.
In short, please keep making more of this videos, please. Thank you for the how to. It helped me and it gave me more ideas... Thanks
What people?
WOAH, DAGORHIR!!! I have always loved dagorhir, been doing it since I was 7, and I am 18 now.
Wulfrik MacGregor i have been around in the Midwest since 1994, i hope this helps you get in to the game.
Charlie Red certainly will, now only need to fine the blue camping foam and I'm ready to make one. I was part of the realm lothlorien.
Wulfrik MacGregor awesome, i hang with dominion. You should come visit my shop. Www.hcabg.con
Charlie Red looks really cool. What is your preferred fighting style? like weapon, stances, offensive, or defensive and what would you recommend me trying to learn to get better?
Wulfrik MacGregor what ever makes you feel like you are having fun. I prefer maduk.
Hey I wanted to comment and answer questions the poster did not, the tool he is using to cut the foam (I believe) is a painters tape knife, you can find them at walmart, I had to sharpen mine, I used a smith abrasives 2 in one carbide and ceramic sharpener, also available at walmart in the sporting good section for around $4, and "Blue Foam" is Bel/Dag slang for ozark trail camp pad, walmart, sporting goods/camping for around $6-$8
I'm glad I'm not the only one with trains going off in the background.
@9:27
When I first started watching, I was like, "Uhhh, you could try using a smaller knife." I was immediately schooled by his talent with giant sharpened construction tools.
This is an incredibly nice tutorial. I even went back and watched it a second time just for fun. I did have a question, though: what was the purpose of wrapping the guard with strapping tape before switching to the gaffer's tape?
10:44 hello!
OMG dude you just made a video i was waiting for forever!!!!!!!! Thanks!! I cant wait to use this.
I can't remember the game name, it's really popular in north NJ. I'll try to look it up. I was commissioned to do 3 weapons for a game shop there and they failed all my weapons. They say no metal anywhere (including non-striking surfaces). the thickness of the blade, not on the striking edge, but the width of the blade needs an inch of foam. Also this place frowns on blue foam because "it loses it's elasticity too fast" and "turns to dust under the cover". Like I said, its a business nightmare.
sorry to barge in but could you tell me where to get 1/2 inch square fiberglass rods please i want to make a min red please and thank you
if you dont mind could you tell me where you get your fiber glass rod from pleas
I have a few Qs
1). where can i buy that square fiberglass rod at
2). what kind of tape is that clear type on the sides and around the guard
3). any over advise would be helpful thank you
+shadowolf nara www.libertypultrusions.com/pultrusion-products/pultruded-rods/
The clear tape is extreme packing tape from home depot.
On the fly counter weight is a half roll of quarters glued together? Edit, nickles. Thats better price wise :)
I suggest googling "fiberglass bar stock", and looking around. It's unlikely you'll find square fiberglass in stores, so you'll likely have to buy online. If searching that doesn't work, try "1/2 square fiberglass dagorhir" and look around for suggestions by other, much more experienced players than I.
Is there a tutorial on your 'utility knife' ?
PuppyZwolle His "utility knife" looks like a trowl. IF you are talking about the large one he is using.
+PuppyZwolle It's a trowel that has been sharpened.
+Charlie Red I know. I just love these tutorials. ;-)
What is the width of your fiberglass rods?
where can I get the square fiberglass tubing that you use
If you don't have stadium seating then Yoga Mat from Walmart will do just as well.
If you guy's wan't an awesome box, using floor mat from Walmart, as well (found in the exercise department) works incredibly good. It's sturdy and won't "core out" as quickly.
charlie red could you tell me where to get 1/2 inch square fiberglass rod please and thank you.
What was the overall cost to make this type of weapon?
Sorry again but i cant find blue foam , anything about it will make my search a lot easier.
it drives me crazy -_- i cant find any of the metirials in my country (maybe with a lot of search i can find some) but does any1 have any idea to help me?
I take it same process goes for making a 2 handed sword right
Good stuff. More actual event videos please?
Hey charlie. awesome video. i wanted to ask where you got that razorblade thing? Also, have you tried out the wilson wrap that is shock absorbent? it's a bit more expensive but it works awesomely. gives you great grip and makes it to where shock won't make you drop your weapon.
You think you could make me one? Lol. I can't find any stadium seats anywhere.
What's the length for a "red" two-handed greatsword?
48" minimum length. Do not build a red sword any longer than the minimum length following this tutorial as it will not pass hit, Also make certain that you are using a satisfactory core, i prefer 1/2" square for min reds.
Minimum overall length 48 inches for a red weapon.
A min spec red Longsword/Bastard Sword with a stabby tip would probably be one of my preferred dag weapons.
Such a versatile sword. A good balance of speed and reach and it has a lot of damage types and functions in one weapon.
Can use it comfortably one handed for blue and one handed green damage with a shield for extra defense or use an off hand weapon.
And in situations facing up against opponents with a lot of armor and/or big shields you can toss aside or sheath/hang your shield or off hand weapon to go two-handed for red and two handed green damage to break shields and kill heavily armored opponents faster.
could i make a short sword ( roman gladius) this way?
yes you can
+Charlie Red where do you find the fiberglass rod the site you told people to go to(Liberty pultrusions) only sell a 5000ft minimum length
i suggest useing washers instead of nickles for the counterbalance: this ensures that when someone steals your sword and tears it apart they wont make any profit
where would I find square fiberglass core? I've been looking all over.
+lmckiii www.libertypultrusions.com/pultrusion-products/pultruded-rods/
is that aslo a slashing weapon I need a sword that can do bouth
Thomas Schmidlin it's a blue.
Just in time for Ides of March too.
I thought swords werent allowed to have circular cross guards
They can have any kind of cross guard as long as it does not pass through a 2 inch hole perpendicular to the blade.
Are there any casual Larps in Texas?
are you here because of the operation after math?
no I just want to know if any casual larp's are out there. (plus I think Dagorhir is a little too garb heavy, but prove me wrong if you can).
where do we get fiberglass cores?
+legendofzeldarules44 www.homedepot.com/p/Blazer-International-Driveway-Marker-48-in-Round-Orange-Fiberglass-Rod-381ODM/202498049
+Rafae Bucio look at the description. it uses a 48" fiberglass rod
Consignment* is what I meant to say. Auto correct was spot on there.
And sorry I was away form the computer most of the day and hadn't had a chance to reply. The game I got commissioned for, by the shop owner, was called something simple like Quest. It's a smallish group, but the owner offered me $600 for a dozen weapons, provided my samples passed one of the testers. I was also given the option for containment if I wanted for anything past the first $600 worth. An order like that can be done in no time, so I jumped on it with the hopes of future jobs.
Can I make a red sword from this?
+Will Hege Yes just follow the same steps. Add one extra layer of foam because of the size of weapon.
Charlie Red It failed because of flex. What did I do wrong?
Your core is too small or those checking are checking it wrong.
Any alternative cores I can use?
+Will Hege use fiber glass or pvc. if you make it to long it can flex.
ive never seen someone use that much dap on a wep in my life
how much did this weigh?
Pablo Cayetano a little over 17oz
what are you using to cut the foam?
a sharped putty knife
For a beginner, would you recommend building it buying First? I looked at forge foam for a purchase but as a part time worker full time student dropping 60 bucks on a sword is a bit much in my mind. What's your reccomendation?
If you need a cheap sword Sanctum Swords on Etsy will get you a decent blade for cheap.
No, way more foam needs to go on reds, and reds also need stronger cores, such as 1/2 inch square fiberglass (as opposed to this 3/8 inch square fiberglass) or 5/8 inch round fiberglass. You can still utilize some basic ideas from this tutorial, but not everything is quite effective.
Turns out their rules were way above the average, though I was told otherwise, and all I managed to sell was some left over stock of warhammer terrain. He was impressed by the look of my weapons but said I wasn't concerned enough about safety, so I lost the deal. I dealt with several people from a game called Mystic Realms in around the same area and it was the opposite, but it was no $600+ a lasting business relation.
I really hate how systems have so dramatically different legal weapons. A place I know would turn that sword away in a heart beat because it's not thick enough, the stabbing tip isn't thick enough, it has a metal core pommel, and the cover is not glued to it. On the other hand I know places where the tip is overkill. I tried making boffers professionally, but there are so many things that are legal in some rulesets and not in others, it makes it almost impossible to run a business out of it.
may i buy one of those swords off of you?
We don't sell our weapons. We suggest buying from Forged Foam @ forgedfoam.com
This is amazing.
am I the only one who can't follow this because of all the jump cuts?
It's more of an advanced tutorial, you might get a better idea if you watch the first one. This video was uploaded back when there was a time limit to videos, I may go back and release the full video without cuts.
I can see this video being good for people who have made them before but as a first time person, I have no idea what's goin on half the time and it seems like you didn't go over every step. Example: Your first step looks like about the third or forth step cause I have no idea how you made whatever it is you start with. Also, having a material list is almost crucial to any tutorial video. I can tell you know what you're doing so I'd recomend reshooting this video with more detail and not skipping steps.
As a Dagorhir foamsmith I can kinda follow what's going on here without explanations and whys and whats but for beginners this tutorial doesn't explain anything. I use PVC all of the time as core, it passes just fine as long as the weapon is made correctly and not too-long that it creates too much flex. Having no audio to explain each step and why each step works the way it does is counter-productive, it doesn't teach the noob. Having the video jump around without explanation also is not helpful.
What game would you be failing this weapon for? There is not a metal core, it's fiberglass. The counter weight is on a non striking surface, AKA the pommel. The stabby for you not being thick makes you a noob. Marine foam is the new age stabbys get with the times.. How is it not thick enough? It passes the dimensions for all games. You can't fail it for dagorhir or Belagarth. it's 100% legal. Garanteed. You need a 2.5" Pommel for amt. This also has nothing to do with business.
Wow you got defensive fast. I was just trying to make conversation. God damn. Sure the bigger games have some standards, but those aren't always the ones that have a market to get into. Example, I have a hard time selling anything to Nero players because the community is so large there are tons of weapon makers locally. I know what Drachenfest is, and it looks amazing. I'm subbed to a couple dozen larpers as well as a german guy who goes yearly and post videos.
Amtgard requires a 2" ,or more, pommel these days.
Was that a fart at 06:29 :D however, thank you, my friends and me will fight a lot safer just because of you :)
The editing makes this feel like a fake cult video from adult swim.
This will pass for the three most popular battle games. other games that don't follow this minimum build standard are being overly safe. We will eventually graduate into latex weapons as the years pass. I agree on the blue foam, but to get something built and on the field from local stores, this is the way. The new blad foam style is to use 4 pound box foam.
10:44 D:
That penny is a serious safety hazard. Personally saw it happen. The penny will come loose and when a swung sword is stopped by hitting a shield or other object or person, that penny comes flying out at a good speed. Suggest a small piece of leather.
You've witnessed the true rarity. It has not been an issue with us and we've been doing this 20+ years. Leather is a good option as well, however a penny can be just as secured.
6:28 sorry
I should add, I'm sure your weapon is fine for your game, and many others. I'm just sick of all the different standards nation wide. I mean I've dealt with games that don't allow fiberglass cores because "they're wipe like and dangerous" even if you show them its not. I dealt with a place in Phili that required the weapon be 100% covered with foam, including the handle. There's just no standard.
Check out my video page, I have some up. I will get more as the years pass.
does your wife get mad when u cut up her yoga mats?
Dagorhir, Amtgard and Belegarth and the largest battle games out there. Any other game is nothing in comparison. Following this, your sword will be legal for 90+ percent of games. Small time LARP have crap standard for weapons and in the US know nothing of the weapons real big LARPs use in Canada, France and Germany. Check out Calimacil weapons. Then look up the Drachenfest. You still have yet to mention a game and it's annoying thus making me think you have no experience.
pretty sad how a grown man like this is calling me a terrorist, downvoted.