Need suggestions for a costume

[Fulmetal Kisame]

Ok AWA is in september and im going as Kisame i really need suggestions as to how to make the sword. i can lift a good amount so no need for breakable styro foam. OH and my girlfriend is thinking of going as Hawkeye from FMA any suggestions for her costume would be appriciated or if you have any other suggestions for who she should be, shes got long darkish blonde hair. thnx

[Shiroiyuki]

I believe there is stuff you can spray onto styrofoam to make it 'tough'....or.....dense? Something, prevents breakage.

A friend of mine was telling me about it, but who knows.

[EDIT]

Whatever you do -- make sure it fits within the conventions guidelines on weapons/props/etc. It would be a wasted effort if you put time and energy into something you couldn't even carry around with you.

[Fulmetal Kisame]

true very true

[Techrobo]

A light wood usually works best for making fake swords, and its more resilient than most other possible materials, but like Shiroiyuki says check with the guidelines. Hard wooden weapons can be lethal. I don't suggest styrofoam under any circumstance, its too flimsy. Consider plastic if you can't use wood. I don't know how they'd feel about hollow aluminum...

[Fulmetal Kisame]

i shall check the guidlines i just want it to be the best Kisame sword EVAR

[Fulmetal Kisame]

ok heres the weapons guidlines straight from the source:


The AWA Weapons Policy allows attendees in costume to wear weapons freely at the convention areas (the Renaissance Waverly Hotel and the Cobb Galleria Centre).



Real Weapons
(Swords, knives, throwing stars)
NO LIVE STEEL! Metallic weapons such as swords, knives, daggers, and bayonets are prohibited in the Convention area. This includes sheathed swords. Whips and loose metal chains are not allowed. Dealers can sell weapons through mail order only and can bring them to the Dealers room only as display items. Chains attached to clothing must not drag to the ground. Non-metal chains (foam, plastic) will be allowed. Practice swords (wooden and plastic) are allowed.

(Guns and Firing weapons) no guns of any kind are allowed. This includes and is not limited to pellet guns, water guns, BB guns, dart guns, blowguns, or water pistols. Silly String is considered a firing weapon. Real and replica (made exactly like) guns, tasers, and stun guns are prohibited. Exceptions will be prop guns or resin models that can be identified from a distance as a toy. Said items cannot possess any moving parts and are clearly marked. Crossbows and bows are allowed only if they are non firing and/or unstrung.



Prop Weapons
Prop weapons made of cardboard, foam, cloth or wood that are non-metallic (guns, swords, knives) are allowed. Non-weapon props such as cooking utensils, plush items and (non-metallic) sporting goods are allowed. Unrealistic props such as huge guns, swords, rayguns, and blasters are OK. Sword handles attached to sheathes are permitted.

Weapons will be checked on a case by case basis. Weapons that look too realistic (and follow the policy) will be peacebound with a ribbon.

[Dessa]

For the top of Hawkeye's uniform, I bought a Civil War-era uniform pattern (if I knew where it was, I'd get you the pattern number) that has the fold-over front, and modified it. Pants are easy enough to find (I bought pants, not made them), and the skirt piece is easily done with two pieces of fabric. For her weapon, an easy way to get past the weapons policy is to use a guncon from a video game console. Mine is a SNES one, and bright blue.

[Fulmetal Kisame]

hmmmmmm sounds good to me