SKYRIM Steel Dagger Build

[Triple 8 Props]

I've decided its about time I build something from Skyrim and its the Steel Dagger!

After drawing up some blueprints in Adobe Illustrator to figure out the size and shape, I decided on my materials and got to work. I started by laminating two sheets of quarter inch sintra together so I had a half inch sheet to work with.

The main dagger shape was then cut out with my scroll saw. That cavity on the bottom with eventually fit the wooden dowel for the handle.

Lines were then traced from my blueprint that were used to shape the beveled edge. For this, all I used was a dremel with a sanding but and some sandpaper on a sanding block.

Further pieces were cut, shaped, sanded, and glued to the main body.

And here you can see how that slot works along with a slightly modified PVC end cap in the bottom of the handle.

For the filigree, and other details, I used styrene sheets. Each piece was individually hand cut and shaped to fit its individual place. Laser cutting would definitely have been a better choice here. You can see how each piece is labeled because they wouldn't fit any of the other spaces as they are all slightly different.

Some of these pieces were then attached to the rest of the dagger. I think I am going to wait on attaching the filigree as I may want to add a texture behind them. The Handle piece was also secured into the cavity along with some Apoxie Sculpt to fill in some of the gaps. The PVC end cap was also attached the same way.

That's all I've got for now. Please let me know what you think!

 

[kwalsh0000]

Very good so far!

 

[Triple 8 Props]

I then began the process of priming and wet sanding to get the dagger nice and smooth.

I also added the small, styrene scroll pieces I cut earlier.

Now on to painting! I first want to mention I basically copied a painting method from Harrison of Volpin Props' painting eBook so I am taking no credit for the techniques. I started with a base layer of "Oil Rubbed Bronze" spray paint.

I then brushed on a thin layer of silver acrylic with a sponge brush.

I then used an organic sea sponge to add splotches of rust colored acrylic paint. I also did some brown and black splotches as well.

Another thin layer of silver blends these colors together and creates an awesome metal effect.

A few layers of basic grime and rust weathering really took this to the Skyrim atmosphere.

I then did a bit of dry brushing on the edges with some silver enamel to make the blade look like it has recently been used and worn down to the bare steel.

Last but not least, the handle! I used a scrap of leather I sound online and some suede lace to craft a pretty decent handle wrap considering this was my first time working with leather. I also added a layer of black felt under the leather to give the handle some padding and to clean up any gaps.

And it's done!