First Rattan

[msrlapin]

Made my first rattan sword today. It reminded me an awful lot of Captain John, my first LARP character. As I recall, I sucked at sword making back then, too. That's a bit harsh; I did okay with this sword (although I still can't lay long piece of tape without it wrinkling like elephant hide). I need to add on the lanyard, but that's not hard to do

Comments

[hoshiadam]

1. Measure out the tape and cut to length.
2. Gently push the middle (of the width) of the tape down near the handle end.
3. Apply a little tension and push the middle down hear the business end.
4. Smooth the middle (again, of the width) of the tape down, starting from the handle end and moving up to the business. Be ready to pull the tape up near the business end, if it wrinkles.
5. Starting on one side of the middle, smooth a little strip of tape down with your thumb, going from the bottom to the business end. Repeat this a few more times (ideally 2-4 to get it all the way done) till one long edge of the tape is smooth.
6. Repeat step 5 for other side of the middle.

Not sure about taping rattan, but with foam I always do the striking edges first and then do the sides.

[msrlapin]

I'll give it a whirl on the next one... I pretty much assumed that the first one wouldn't be great. The advice definitely helps. Thanks!

[gingererer]

It looks very nice! Out of curiosity, what's it cost you to make a rattan sword? In terms of money, not personal anguish.

[msrlapin]

$46 for the basket hilt, which ought to last forever. $30 for the rattan (I got 3 3-foot sections). And roughly $25 for all the tools (tape, rasp, chisel, saw, and sandpaper.) So really, it's about $40 per sword, give or take, counting all the initial investments. I could have gotten a less-good hilt for $20.

[howlwhite]

I miss SCA fighting sometimes.

[msrlapin]

I'm just starting. I'll goob more about it after I certify, I'm certain. The white belt would be nice, but the only person I really want to be a knight in shining armor for is my daughter.

[howlwhite]

I got my red belt and quit. I don't do well in SCA one vs one fighting (tourneys) and my armor wasn't pretty. But I did awesome at Mass Melees

[trix1e]

Nice basket hilt. I still would love to talk to you and your wife about Pennsic. Are you going this year?

[msrlapin]

PM me your phone number - I'll call tonight or tomorrow night and can talk. I really don't have the days off to go, but next year is a high possibility (although a trip to Disneyland for the daughter is also high on the list of things to do.)

[mastertwisted]

Hmmm... We've been talking about Disney as well.

And yes, I love the basket hilt.