Vaklu's Erebor Dwarf Armor with Hammer and Shield (first build)

[Vaklu]

Hi first time building anything really. I've done a little cosplay though it was all simple clothing based stuff. I found this site while looking for reference material for the build so I figured I'd post the build here since there might be people who can say "wait don't it that won't work well at all!" I won't be posting the reference pics I'm using since they're practically the same as Gibbtall's.

I started on the hammer last night and cut out most the components. I'm not showing the haft in these pictures cause it's big and until it's together, not that interesting. The components shown were cut from a EVA foam camping mat and I plan to use contact cement to bond them.


I plan to have the head of the hammer will attach to the haft using a tongue and groove method then laminate over the attached sections with thinner craft foam. The striking head and shovel pick will be attached in a similar manner.

 

[Gibbtall]

Really excited to see your work on this, but I must suggest a sharper blade. If you get a brand new blade you'll be amazed at how easily it cuts but it WILL dull quickly. I tend to use the back side of a second blade (doesn't have to be new but rust might get in the way) to "sharpen" the blade, just give it a few swipes using the back of the second blade, making sure you do both sides of the blade at the same angle that the blade is. This method "folds" the burr that is created on the blade while you use it back to a sharp edge. You should be able to survive without doing this for a while but once you do, you won't have many cuts with the blade until you need to sharpen it again so I tend to do it between every couple cuts on an older blade.