We all love a bit of drama, right? The very high-contrast palette of black and chrome here provides a very theatrical look to this piece.

This is really my crowning achievement in terms of lightness. The whole thing is about 3 feet long, and weighs 4 and a half ounces (just over a quarter of a pound). And half of that is in the handle. I’m quite serious about using all sorts of engineering tricks to make props safe through being very light, while remaining sturdy.

The blade is the same sushi/seal wrap as in my previous rapiers – here’s a pic from my previous article showing a sample of the carbon fiber core, the open-cell foam, the outer layer of closed-cell foam, and the duct tape.

The handle for this one is based on an image that’s watermarked with something called “KultofAthena,” but I didn’t actually see it on that site, so I’m not sure of its ultimate provenance.

I modified it somewhat, as always, to fit with the aesthetic I’m going for, the tools I’m working with, and the needs of an active boffer prop. The handle (wrapped with faux leather under the chrome exterior to give it a firm grip) also features a smooth transition into the pommel, with a circle and strands to recall the contrast with the blade portion.

As always, I hope it invokes both fear (aaaaagh, it’s going to get us) and awe (whoa, it looks cool, though) in those who face it. Looking forward to hearing the stories from this one.