Magic Knight Rayearth: Fuu's Sword
I was commissioned to make a replica of the swords from the series "Magic Knight Rayearth". Fuu's was the first completed of the trio.
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The poplar wood that I use for swords only comes in 4 ft lengths. To make up the extra length, I offset laminated the wood.
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The wood glued together and cut to shape.
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I shaped the edge on the sword with a belt sander and used putty to smooth the surface. Also shown are the other blades.
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The handle was shaped on the lathe from Bass wood.
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I used a long drill bit to core out the center to allow the 5/16" steel rod.
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The collar of the handle has an irregular shape so I carved it out of the lathed shape.
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The completed collar minus the recess on each side for a gem.
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The pommel was formed by laminating 1/4" sheets of maple.
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I attached it to a hand drill and smoothed out the base with files and sandpaper.
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The final pommel test fitted to the handle.
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The guard was made by glueing three sheets of 1/2" MDF together, leaving a hole in the center for the blade.
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The guard rounded by router.
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After the surface was primed, I cut the bird details from .09 styrene.
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I used a heat gun to soften the plastic and press it around the guard.
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I matched up the edges and puttied the seams.
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While the putty dried, I added the second layer of detail with .06 styrene.
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The completed guard attached to the blade.
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The final painted and assembled hilt with cast resin gems.
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The sword disassembles for transportation although it will have to be glued before using.
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The whole sword. It measures 7 ft in total length!
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Detail of the guard.
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Detail of the pommel.