I was commissioned to make Taki's swords, Rekki Maru and Mekki Maru for a cosplayer in Singapore.
I decided to try using Shapeways for the decorative parts of these swords. To save money, I made half of the symmetrical parts so that I could mold them and cast resin copies. They also charge by the amount of plastic that you use so I made all the pieces 1mm thick.
Being my first attempt, I didn't refine my mesh enough but since I'd have to clean up the rough surface before molding, I could refine the shapes at the same time.
This piece shows the sandpaper texture from the printing process. The plastic is quite strong but it sands easily enough.
I also imported some tsuka-ito to wrap the grips. I used a tutorial that I found online to attempt a traditional grip. I fudged the end knots a bit, cobbling together a few different techniques.
Here is the final result.
Rekki Maru
Mekki Maru
Further details and WIP pics are on my blog!
I decided to try using Shapeways for the decorative parts of these swords. To save money, I made half of the symmetrical parts so that I could mold them and cast resin copies. They also charge by the amount of plastic that you use so I made all the pieces 1mm thick.
Being my first attempt, I didn't refine my mesh enough but since I'd have to clean up the rough surface before molding, I could refine the shapes at the same time.
This piece shows the sandpaper texture from the printing process. The plastic is quite strong but it sands easily enough.
I also imported some tsuka-ito to wrap the grips. I used a tutorial that I found online to attempt a traditional grip. I fudged the end knots a bit, cobbling together a few different techniques.
Here is the final result.
Rekki Maru
Mekki Maru
Further details and WIP pics are on my blog!