These fantasy prop weapons were designed mostly whilst in college running my own business 'Merlin's Armoury'. Often termed LARP or 'Live Action Role Play' weapons, the products were mostly produced for fantasy role play game groups designed for playing mock battles. Other clients and customers included theatrical groups, decorative and as toys.
The products had to be safe to be stuck with, durable enough to handle constant bashing, light weight, balanced and ergonomic to help clients beat their opponents in competition. Constructed with internal fibreglass rod structures, encased in carves Plastazote foam, skinned in latex with leather or webbing grips.
LARP Prop Weapons
Decimator
This is to LARP weapons what a concept car is to the vehicle industry or Swiss army knife to tools. Very much an all in one created to impress university Industrial / Product Design degree application interviewers successfully. Unlike others this was a very complex development project.
A form of short sword / large daggers used in a pair held in a backwards hold, effective in whirling, slashing and stabbing styles. Excellent at hooking opponents and their weapons.
Axes were another common item, less manoeuvrable for users, but useful for getting around shields and hooking opponents and their weapons. There was also more weight force per strike. These have cross bar reinforcement added to stop blades ripping off and different wood textures.
Maces and clubs. These were the slowest to handle. The bigger ones whilst softened still have a good impact. Most designed to look upmarket or downright crudely put together depending on the character they go with.
Daggers and similar items were the cheapest products sold. These were often miniature version of the likes of swords, but often sill involving similar work times. Less profit per unit but more units sold.