making rattan weapons

Andy S · Post by **Andy S** » Mon Aug 19, 2002 10:32 am

I bought a 9' 8" lenght of 1 1/8" rattan and a rubber double edged ax head that weighs a little over a pound. I would like to make a single handed sword, a single handed ax, and something with whatever I have left, but I have never made rattan weapons before. Any help wold be appreciated.

Sixtus_Goetz · Post by **Sixtus_Goetz** » Mon Aug 19, 2002 5:09 pm

Hello,

If this is for SCA combat, you need to tape that baby up to at least 1 1/4", seems your a 1/4" to short around. That much tape will weight you stick down quite a bit. Of corse you could wrap some leather around it to widen it. Look at your Kingdomes weapons standards.

Saranac Goetz

Andy S · Post by **Andy S** » Mon Aug 19, 2002 6:28 pm

I did look at my kingdoms standards. The reason I bought that size was because the known world handbook suggested it.

Tarquin Bjornsson · Post by **Tarquin Bjornsson** » Mon Aug 19, 2002 9:15 pm

try siloflex

Sixtus_Goetz · Post by **Sixtus_Goetz** » Tue Aug 20, 2002 4:31 pm

Unfortuantly with Siloflex, he would have to taper down his 1 1/8" rod to a 1" rod. Siloflex has to have a 1/8" outer wall. Either that or get Siloflex that is wider and you be wielding a nice chunk at 1 3/4".

Either way.

Quick and dirty way. Assuming you are using a basket hilt.

cut sword to length you want.
put strapping tape up blade part of shaft, covering entire blade.
spiral wrap one way with minimal overlap up.
spiral wrap other way with minimal overlap.
wrap 3 or 4 times at tip < prevents brooming of rattan >.
put 4 or 5 layers of strapping tape where tabs of basket hilt are positioned.
carve handle to comfort of hand.
attach basket hilt with either hose clamps or Lots of strapping tape, both top and bottom tab.
tape over hose clamps < prevents snagging on yourself or others < they will thankyou for it>>
lay a layer of duct tape < each persons preference > covering entire blade.
put edge on using electric tape.

Mind you this is only My way of doing it, other ways are out there that work just as well. You just need as much tape to make up that 1/4" as you can. Leaving off thrusting tip for now.

Axe, find lenght you want. cut 4" longer then you want. cut taper in tip of rattan. Force axe head over taper < hair spray will make for a short lived lube if needed >. after blade is in position, cut taper off square.

Just my 2p.