New player on creating weapons

Hi, i'm fairly new to LARP and a few friends and I are planing on attending the may event, and I am planing on making the weapons. So I was wondering how many layers of pipe insulation should be used to make a good looking long sword while also keeping it safe.
--Michael T.

Hi Michael,

For a good boffer longsword you want at at least 5/8" thickness of foam on all striking surfaces. Here's a link for proper boffer construction on the website: www.knightrealms.com/game-play/weapons-a...-boffer-weapons.html The foam you can easily pick up from a home depot or a Lowes.

*NOT A RULES MARSHAL... BUT*

Know that all weapons - boffer, latex, or otherwise - must be inspected at sign it to make sure they are combat safe!

A good way to test at home; hand the completed boffer to someone and ask them to hit you. *ALWAYS* have it tested on yourself, that way you know exactly how hard it hits. If you wouldn't want to be hit with your own sword, then no body else will either.

If your weapons don't meet the safety standard, no worries, you will probably be able to borrow latex weapons from logistics for your first event. To keep your bases covered, you can also make a post in the character forums to see if anyone would be willing to lend out an already approved sword to you

Also, keep in mind, you *cannot* thrust with weapons at this game no matter how squishyfoamy you make the tip.

AGAIN I AM NOT A RULES MARSHAL BUT HERE ARE SOME TIPS.

*throws confetti, flys away*

I made this basic longsword. I was wondering would this be ok aesthetically? Also any ideas to make it look better?