Need Ideas for Swords

[drbindy]

So in my EXCAL verse, I have kind of weird mesh between modern warfare, new technology, and bladed weapons, mostly swords. So far, most of the swords I've used have been Joe left-overs or POTC swashbuckler types. I've already known this to be a weak spot for my story, and Nova really brought this home for me.

What I'm looking for FIRST are ideas of types of swords that could fit (they won't all be the same). Appropriate characters will still get appropriate swords (broadsword for Galahd still fits, Samurai swords for others). These can be classic, contemporary, or futuristic themes. I'm already thinking of using Darko's hot glue trick to get a couple of electrified swords hammered out.

SECOND: Sources of swords other than IJ, POTC, and Joe leftovers. Are there any 1:18 swords out there I should be looking at? I know my friends over at Tri-Gate Creations have a lot of bladed weapon options, and trust me I'm going there as soon as my budget allows. But I will also need some cheaper filler type weaons. Other ideas?

THIRD: What kind of mods would you like to see? Should I just take the existing stock of plain swords and jazz them up?

Thanks for giving this any consideration at all. The feedback I get on here is much appreciated.

I mentioned the swords from the Inheritance Cycle...
Za'roc
Brisingr
I really like the look of the blades...especially in those pics...but Think a more simple hilt and handel would suit a modern technology.


On of my Fav GI Joe swords is this one: Not sure it it'd suit any of your EXCAL operatives...but I think it'd look pretty baddass in the hands of a Cobra/Meddusa agent....I know there's also one in a clear blue....maybe more.

I'm prolly just a sucker for transparent swords....but I'm sure Trigate can cast up some of their wares in transparent colors.

Cocktail swords are always an option for simple filler swords....or you can go all out and cut your own out from styrene sheets.

[pluv]

Chap mei, since the handles are too big for joes you'll need to modify them but some fo these could work and most people have a ton of them built up.

Legos and Playmobil. You can score some decent lots on ebay that will give you several useable pieces. The legos will be more in the dagger size but they will work ok for that purpose.

Schlieck or whatever those small plastic toys are in specialty shops. Not cheap but they have a great selection of weapons if you can pick them up at yardsales or flea markets.

Nova already mentioned it but cutting your own sword shapes from styrene and then attaching it to existing handles will be the absolute cheapest way to go. Plus I dig custom weapons a little bit more with custom characters.

Boley Corp...
Used to sell lots of stuff to Big Lots and now Rite Aid (?)
I got lots of good stuff from a set like this a year or two ago

Schlieck or whatever those small plastic toys are in specialty shops. Not cheap but they have a great selection of weapons if you can pick them up at yardsales or flea markets.

The other brand you're thinking of is Papo, both AC Moore and Michael's carry them at around $5.99 a figure. A little boil n' pull and the swords (and other weapons) come right out. I know, I've got an arsenl of 'em.

A really good source--since they're on clearance at TRU right now--is Prince Caspian. The swords come in a nice variety and are much more sturdy than POTC, plus most include a working scabbard. Also don't forget that Marauder, Inc., sells at least one sword (samurai style).

Nova pointed out cocktail swords; these do work pretty well but you'll probably have to shave the handles down a bit to fit most Joe hands, and they can be a little oversized for some figures (while being the right size for say, Venomous Max.)

You could always scratch build. Thin thin styrene sheet tends to make a rather flexible blade, but it's no worse than some of Hasbro's offereings.Black or dark gray thread wrapped around tubing makes a good simulation of a wire wrapped handle, it's easy on the figure's hands, and you don't have to worry about paint wear on the handle.

As to designs, don't be afraid to look at fantasy swords. A lot of them are unworkable for real combat, but they can still give ideas for new designs. By all acounts, the sword made for the first Beastmaster movie was a very efficient cutter.

Also, somebody needs to have a Bowie knife. In their heyday, some of those things were 18 inches long or better. Effectively making them shortswords. It would make an interesting contrast against all the "proper" swords. They even had their own fighting style. I've heard it said that if you were to pit an 18th century Louisianna bowie knife fighter, against a modern special forces commando in a knife fight, the bowie knife fighter would kill the commando in under 20 seconds.

Try the Dollar Tree's, Dollar stores out. They sometimes have cheap knights and such for only a dollar that thier swords will work for the Joes and such.

The Army of Darkness line had some excellent swords, and you can still find the figure sets here and there if you search for them online, and affordable.

Oh, you can make a nice slim rapier of you carefully clip the finger guards off the Mutt Indy sword with some fine scissors. I did this just yesterday and noticed that I have a very nice rapier now.

If you want interesting blade and scabbard combinations, there are still some stores online and not that carry the larger Hobbit figures, Their little Elven blades make excellent swords for a Joe.

[drbindy]

These are all great ideas, and they are all much appreciated.

Grey Rider - I have some styrene parts and was thinking about scratch building a few test swords, but the issue with expected paint rubs on the handle was holding me back. That thread idea is awesome.

dont forget about the people / companies that do weapons and such.

Not sure but you can check BrokenArrow or TGC stores, as they have choices you might find to your liking. Maurader John may also have something you like.

Good luck on this mission and let us know how it turns out.

[drbindy]

dont forget about the people / companies that do weapons and such.

Not sure but you can check BrokenArrow or TGC stores, as they have choices you might find to your liking. Maurader John may also have something you like.

Good luck on this mission and let us know how it turns out.

Hey man. Have totally not forgot TGC, and I think I even mentioned it above. I'm on a temporary toy budget lock-down, that I hope gets lifted soon. I haven't checked out Broken Arrow in awhile, though I have got plenty of stuff from MJ, and I have a wishlist from TGC in mind as well.

sorry. i did not catch the TGC mention up there. And at one point or another we have all had to put ourselves on a budget.