Cosplay swords are fascinating as they look so realistic that you may wonder what they’re made from or what they are exactly, it can be tough to know the difference between a cosplay sword and a normal sword or how they are even made and if there are special places to buy them.
So let’s first figure out what a cosplay sword is…
What Is A Cosplay Sword?
A cosplay sword is a prop sword that has been made to cosplay with.
A cosplay sword is not a real sword (i.e., it is not made of metal), it is made out of a much less dangerous/less heavy material.
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What Are Cosplay Swords Made Out Of?
Cosplays swords cannot be made out of metal as that would be classed as a dangerous weapon, even if they are blunt it would still be far too heavy and would not be allowed at a cosplay convention
For that reason, popular cosplay swords are most commonly made out of a dense foam.
As the swords are made out of foam, this makes them not only convention safe but also much lighter than a real sword!
So no need to get tired carrying around a real metal sword all day (just joking).
Are Cosplay Swords Sharp?
No, cosplay swords are not sharp. As they are made out of a soft material like foam, it is not possible for them to be sharp, they are extremely blunt objects.
Are Cosplay Swords Dangerous?
No, cosplay swords are not dangerous. As mentioned, the most common material used to create a cosplay sword is dense foam. So even if you were hit with this sword, it would not do much damage.
And actually, that is exactly what LARPers do! They are famously known for hitting each other with swords that are made out of foam.
Are Cosplay Swords Safe?
Yes, cosplay swords are safe. As they are made out of foam and they are not sharp they are safe to bring to conventions and to have fun sword fights with.
Can You Go To A Convention With A Cosplay Sword? (What you need to know)
Generally, yes you can go to a convention with a cosplay sword. However it would be best to check the conventions rules before you decide on a cosplay that involves a sword.
They may have rules on what the sword needs to be made out of or even the length of the sword allowed in to the convention.
Most importantly, they will definitely not let you into a convention with a real metal sword, it would be far too dangerous.
So before you think about bringing your metal sword to a convention, you probably shouldn’t. You may even get fined for walking around with a real sword in public! (depending on which country or state you live in of course)
Now you may be asking, where can I buy a cosplay sword?
Where Can I Buy A Cosplay Sword?
There are many places to buy cosplay swords, I have listed a few shops below that I highly recommend:
- https://www.globalgear.com.au/
- https://www.sharpimport.com/
- https://www.kultofathena.com/
- https://www.buyingasword.com/
I do not get any kick backs from the above links, they are my genuine recommendations.
Important note: Please remember to check the material and the length of the sword. If the sword is not made out of a convention safe material then you will most likely not be allowed to bring it in with you.
How To Make A Cosplay Sword (Step By Step Guide)
If you are looking for a particular cosplay sword you may not be able to find it, but fear not if this has happened to you, you can make one yourself! Or you can commission someone to make it for you.
However, from here on we will be looking at how to make your own cosplay sword.
Making your own props is very fun and also helps with creativity.
I’ve listed some helpful steps below to get you making your very own cosplay sword.
- Buy your materials
You will need the following
Foam (Thick foam, 10mm+) (Find this in a speciality cosplay foam shop or EVA foam camping mats from your local hardware store
An inner core (Such as a small diameter PVC pipe or some wooden dowel)
A box cutter with spare blades (or a sharpening tool)
Paper for templating
Pens/Markers
Hot Glue/Contact Cement/Super Glue - Make your pattern
Draw out the shape/length of your sword. This pattern is going to be used to trace onto your foam. - Trace pattern onto foam
Take the pattern that you made and trace it into your foam (if your foam is too short, that’s ok you can glue pieces together to make it longer!) - Cut your foam out
Now take the foam that you traced the pattern on to and cut it out in its shape with your box cutter, you will need at least two copies of this, depending on the thickness of the foam you bought you may need even more. Remember to flip your template as you’ll need at least one copy for each side! - Glue your foam and core together
Take your two pieces of foam and your core, glue the first piece of foam onto your core. Now glue the second piece of foam onto the other side.
Ta da! You have completed your foam cosplay sword. The next step would be to make the handle (if you didn’t add it into your template) or to paint your sword!
A quick tip for painting foam is to make sure the foam is sealed. You can do this by using a product called plasti-dip, but if you can’t get your hands on that or an alternative then even PVA glue does the trick. Make sure you dilute the PVA glue and put on about 4-5 thin coats before you paint your prop.
If you would like a full complete tutorial, with all the little steps in between, please let me know and I’ll post one for you, but for now these are the basic steps to make an awesome cosplay sword.
Can’t wait to see what you create, good luck!
How Much Are Cosplay Swords?
Cosplay swords can range anywhere from $50 to $200+.
Depending on which type of sword you are looking for determines the price. Especially if you are looking for a not so popular sword, you may need to get it custom made which can be quite expensive.
Sometimes you can buy cosplay swords from conventions too and they have pretty good deals at times, so make sure to be on the look out!
What Is The Best Material For A Cosplay Sword?
It depends on what you are using the cosplay sword for. Let me explain the different uses so you don’t get caught out using the wrong material for your cosplay sword.
Are you using the sword to actually sword fight with?
If that’s the case then the cosplay sword should be made out of similar materials like LARPing weapons.
That is, make sure the sword has a rigid core such as fibreglass or a composite material. And for the outer layer, make sure it is made out of a dense foam.
OR
Will you just be using the sword for pictures/as a prop?
If this is the case then you can most likely get away with the sword just being made out of a dense foam. Most dense foams can hold the shape of a sword well and are much lighter to carry around.