How would I make a BIG sword?

Solomon Cloud · Post by **Solomon Cloud** » Mon Apr 19, 2004 3:49 am

I just want to try this and make it look good.
Is to make a sword ala Final Fantasy 7, The Buster Sword basicly.

This thing is huge and would look pretty cool in some sword fighting scenes. Plus I'm getting tired of gun fights all the time and want something spectacular and weird for my next Zombie Action Movie.

if you don't know what I am talking about here is a link to a pic.
http://creativeuncut.com/media/ff7-cloud.jpg
and
http://creativeuncut.com/media/kh-09.jpg

I'm thinking wood but I want it to have that metal look you know.
well thanks in advance. Also think size.

Grant · Post by **Grant** » Mon Apr 19, 2004 4:39 am

would have to be very light weight metal just to be able to wield it with some sort of effeciency. But then you have to consider the strength of it to be able to stand combat. Wooden handle i guess also to cut down on weight. Hmm maybe a sheet metal blade...still thinking

ChibiVader · Post by **ChibiVader** » Mon Apr 19, 2004 4:04 pm

Make the handle as heavy as you can! That will bring the center of gravity back to a more reasonable position. Center of gravity is far more important than weight. For the blade, I'd recommend cardboard with the foil tape covering it for far out shots and then make a sheet metal one close up shots where there's not much action.

Grant · Post by **Grant** » Tue Apr 20, 2004 12:05 am

yeah all depends on what it is going to be used for. Are you going to fight with it? If so the blade has to be strong, especially sideways bending. If so then i would not use cardboard. If the is non fighting or contact involved then yeah use cardboard. They actor will also have to give an impression of mastery and weight of his weapon, along with his enemies at facing it

Solomon Cloud · Post by **Solomon Cloud** » Wed Apr 21, 2004 2:57 am

those are all solid ideas.

I was thinking of welding some sheetmetal and stuff to give it that thickness I want on the broad side of the sword.

But that might be more of a hassle then I think.

I am not worried about weight of the weilder because the character who uses it has possesed evil powers and strength.

But yah metal sounds like a good idea in some way's.

Grant · Post by **Grant** » Wed Apr 21, 2004 7:05 am

a lot of the process will be in the acting also

ChibiVader · Post by **ChibiVader** » Thu Apr 22, 2004 12:25 am

the character who uses it has possesed evil powers and strength

Do your actors possess a similar strength?

Grant · Post by **Grant** » Thu Apr 22, 2004 1:53 am

also with such a big weapon you would have to emphasis it's effect on the environment also. Eg big woosh nosies and the ground shakes if he swings at an opponent and misses hitting the soil etc

El Brenty · Post by **El Brenty** » Sat Apr 24, 2004 6:52 pm

You know, metal is actually quite heavy - In a big sword.

You would find it difficult to make quick strokes. Generally, large swords are used for hacking, rather than swift movements that include defense. Unless you work out a lot, and have Grant's muscles, you'll find it quite difficult creating good cheorography with a heavy word.

Try using a material like a soft-wood for example, and painting it.

Don'ty forget, on film, you only have to give the illusion of a big sword! It doesn't have to be the real thing off screen.

Grant · Post by **Grant** » Sun Apr 25, 2004 12:39 pm

I just found a big sword from my shed. It is solid metal and single handed! Very heavy

Grant · Post by **Grant** » Mon Apr 26, 2004 10:29 am

You will notice that my large sword has an inside cutting edge also, very mean!

Epsilon · Post by **Epsilon** » Tue Apr 27, 2004 1:09 am

Gran't you are a very scary looking fella with the sword in hand.

Ladies and Gents... Don't Get In His Way!!!

Grant · Post by **Grant** » Tue Apr 27, 2004 3:00 am

lol I try my best

I love combat and if any of you were around i would fight you all out of respect!

trabre2003 · Post by **trabre2003** » Fri Jul 01, 2005 8:05 am

You could use a light wood and use metallic spray paint. That always shines right. In fact I used a similar technique in the last film I just finished where I spray painted some bricks gold in order to use them as gold bullion. They gave off the right shine and I think you could do the same thing. Also I think a friend of mine has a full replica of the sword, so it might be possible to buy one. Good luck with whatever action you decide to take.

crossfire · Post by **crossfire** » Mon Jul 11, 2005 2:41 am

wood is the best for weight and strength, because unless you actually want to chop someone up in your spare time then you dont need metal, use a slightly darker metallic spray paint for the main part but for the sharpened part use a slightly lighter shade of metallic paint, and it aught to work quite well, and ya make you handle heavy, in fact if possible add a counter weight

SpyroClone · Post by **SpyroClone** » Sun Aug 21, 2005 11:00 pm

i would recomend wood with some kind of metal outside...either aluminum or very thin sheet metal.