The Armour Archive

Ok,

Leet me try this again

What method do you use to make a safe and durable 2" thrusting tip?

The question is asked because the "low profile" tips, as used on single handed swords are supported completely by the rattan tip so they are easy to cut, make and attach to the tip of a sword, whereas the 2" tip over a 1 1/14 diameter rattan leaves some of the thrusting tip outside of the thrusting circular surface of the rattan as it is larger. So that a more robust attachment is needed.

So how do you make them? I want to make sure I am being safe to my brother fighters and also that I don't need to redo the tips after every event.

Thanks!

Rowan

I make a "collar" around the rattan to make a 2" base for the tip itself. The collar is only about a 1/2" wide, so it isn't adding much weight to the end of the weapon. Seat the tip on this, then complete like a sword.

To improve durability, you can cover the whole tip in a leather "sleeve".

Or, make the weapon out of 2" rattan, and make a "low profile" tip.

Dilan

.

I'm pretty fond of the trailer hitch covers myself, though care has to be taken to make sure they have the required give.

I use three pieces of foam for the tip. The bottom layer is the size of the rattan. The top layer is a 2" circle. The middle layer is between the two others 9in size as well as location. Run strapping tape over the top of the tip, covering all compass points. For Example first + then x, then any space you haven't covered. Repeat several times. Then wrap stapping tape around the tip[, starting on the rattan and stopping before you get to the top of the foam. Repeat process unbtil you have the desired stiffness.

Or you can buy them, premade from us...

www.icefalcon.com

I second trailer hitch covers. Stuff with foam. Make 4 cuts in the "neck" part and tape the resulting flanges on by pairs. Enjoy the nigh-indestructability.

At TSC they are even sold in red.

I have been using a raquetball with a nylon strap cross and strapping tape for a 2" thrusting tip with a lot of success. They have plenty of compression and always pass the Marshals inspection. Got the idea off of the Archive about a year ago. I admit I was shocked at the idea for a while, but after trying it for the last year I am a convert. I have no idea how well these work on anything other than a spear tho.

BS

i make a traditional low profile thrusting tip lots of straping tape to conect it to the shaft then a layer of blue foam around the thrusting tip about 3 inches wide to give at least 2 inches of coverage on the rattan.

i rarely have the tip come off durring combat.

nugg

A small amount of good black foam, carpet tape and strapping tape.

The carpet tape is a trick I learned from Count Thorbrandr a long time ago. It is sticky on both sides, which is sorta a pain, but because of the cross hatching of the fibers is very, very strong.

I think I will destroy this current sword long before the tip gives out.

answers to all important questions are at my site

http://delaflamme.org/site/thrustingtip


[img]http://delaflamme.org/site/images/tip/tip-Thumbnails/19.jpg[/img]

That is great.

Thanks Sir Corby!

Rowan of Needwood

My recipe, taught to me by my knight:

- Cut a square of green garden kneeling pad, 2 inches on a side.
- Strapping tape on the end of the rattan, so it doesn't cut the foam, and all around the foam for the same reason.
- Tape the foam on gently, vertical strips (along the right angles of the foam).
- When to tape _around_ the tip, go tight, and the corners will come in.*
- Place a strip of 2"wide nylon webbing over the tip. If you're making a greatsword or a buttspike, just go a couple of inches down the rattan on either side. If making a polearm, I put the nylon up and down both edges of the blade.**
- Tape over to your color preferences.
- Yer dun.

*Now you don't have one of those goofy looking pole weapons with nicely planed sides and cylindrical thrusties!
** 20 bucks for 20 feet of mountain climber's grade webbing at Eastern Mountain Sports or your nearest climbing store.

ps: Corby, your thrusting tips are...beefy. Bless your heart.

Mini nerf football cut in half, a judicious amount of strapping tape, my marshal's gauge and some hockey stick tape for color. The wrapping part is where the art comes in.

Havoc

Rowan:

If you get your behind to practice (and yes... I know how busy you are), I'll show you the ancient and venerable patented VH method of thrusting tip manufacture. It garners much acclaim far and wide. Ancient German Secret.

Max Von Halstern

I take a big 2 inch tall/wide plug of foam and put a long strip of leather right through the middle (use a screwdriver or something to help work it through) then tape around the leather strip and foam. Done

The leather makes clamp arms basically to help hold the tip on and it extends the impact part of the blade up higher without compromising the needed give.

Say goodbye to "Tippy" shots

Yet another shameless plug (of foam that is )