If you are a fan of fantasy or medieval reenactment, making your own boffer axe can be a fun and rewarding project. A boffer axe is a safe and padded weapon that can be used for live action role-playing games (LARP) or mock battles. This article will guide you through the process of creating your very own boffer axe.
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
To make a boffer axe, you will need the following materials: a PVC pipe or fiberglass rod for the handle, foam padding such as pipe insulation or pool noodles, duct tape, a foam camping mat or yoga mat, and a utility knife or scissors.
Step 2: Prepare the Handle
Start by cutting the PVC pipe or fiberglass rod to your desired length for the handle. The handle should be long enough for you to comfortably grip with both hands. Smooth out any rough edges with sandpaper if necessary.
Step 3: Pad the Handle
Next, wrap the foam padding around the handle. You can use multiple layers of foam padding to achieve the desired thickness. Secure the foam padding in place with duct tape, making sure it is tightly wrapped and secure.
Note: The handle should be padded enough to provide a cushioned grip, but not too bulky that it becomes difficult to hold.
Step 4: Create the Axe Head
For the axe head, cut out a shape from the foam camping mat or yoga mat. The shape can be a traditional double-headed axe or a single-bladed battleaxe, depending on your preference. You can trace a template onto the foam mat before cutting it out.
Step 5: Attach the Axe Head
To attach the axe head to the handle, make a small slit in the foam padding on top of the handle. Insert the foam axe head into the slit and secure it with duct tape, making sure it is firmly attached.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
Take a final look at your boffer axe and make any necessary adjustments. Trim any excess foam or tape, and reinforce any weak spots with additional duct tape. Your boffer axe is now ready to use!
Remember, safety is key when using boffer weapons. Always use boffer weapons responsibly and follow any rules or guidelines set by your LARP group or event organizers. Have fun and enjoy your new boffer axe!
Materials and Tools needed
Before you start making your boffer axe, it’s important to gather all the necessary materials and tools. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
Materials:
- 1 PVC pipe (1 inch in diameter and 5 feet long)
- 1 pool noodle (4-6 feet long, depending on the desired length of your axe)
- Duct tape (in a color of your choice)
- Scissors
- Marker
- Hot glue gun
- Cardboard
- Craft foam
- Craft paint
- Sandpaper (medium and fine grit)
Tools:
- Hacksaw or PVC cutter
- Utility knife
- Heat gun or hairdryer
- Paintbrushes
- Ruler or measuring tape
- Protective gloves
Make sure you have all these materials and tools ready before you start the boffer axe-making process. This will ensure a smooth and efficient crafting experience.
Preparing the core
To create a boffer axe, you will need to prepare the core, which is the sturdy and supportive structure of the weapon. The core is responsible for providing stability and strength to the boffer axe.
1. Start by selecting a core material that is lightweight yet durable. Popular choices include PVC pipe, fiberglass rods, or wooden dowels.
2. Measure and cut the core material to the desired length for your boffer axe. The length will depend on your personal preference and the size of the weapon you want to create.
3. Smooth out any rough edges or splinters on the core material using sandpaper. This will help prevent any injuries or damage during use.
4. If you are using a PVC pipe as the core, consider adding a layer of foam padding around it. This will provide extra cushioning and reduce the risk of injury during combat.
5. Apply a layer of duct tape or a similar strong adhesive along the length of the core. This will act as a protective layer and help secure any foam or other materials that you add onto the core.
6. Optional: If you want to create a more realistic-looking boffer axe, you can shape the core into the desired axe head or blade shape using a saw or carving tools. Remember to take safety precautions while doing this.
7. Once the core is ready, you can proceed to the next step in creating your boffer axe, which is adding the foam padding and outer cover.
Pro Tip:
Make sure to choose a core material that is safe and appropriate for boffer weapon construction. It should be able to withstand impact without breaking or causing harm to others.
Building the axe head
Building the axe head is a crucial step in creating a boffer axe. The axe head is the part of the weapon that delivers the impact, so it needs to be sturdy and well-constructed.
To start, you will need the following materials:
- Foam
- Duct tape
- PVC pipe
- Cardboard
- Pen or marker
- Scissors
First, take a piece of foam and draw the shape of the axe head on it using a pen or marker. Make sure to include the blade and the handle in your design. Once you are satisfied with the shape, carefully cut it out using scissors.
Next, cut a length of PVC pipe that will serve as the handle of the axe. Make sure it is long enough to provide a comfortable grip. Attach the foam axe head to the top of the PVC pipe using duct tape. Wrap the tape tightly around the joint to ensure it is secure.
Now, your axe head is taking shape. To add extra reinforcement, cut a piece of cardboard in the same shape as the foam axe head. Place it on top of the foam and secure it with duct tape. This will help make the axe head more rigid and durable.
Finally, wrap the entire axe head, including the foam and cardboard, with duct tape. This will provide additional strength and stability to your boffer axe head. Make sure to cover all the edges and corners to prevent the foam from tearing.
Once you have completed these steps, your boffer axe head will be ready for action. Remember to always use caution and practice proper safety measures when wielding your homemade boffer axe.
Attaching the handle
Once you have completed the foam head of your boffer axe, it is time to attach the handle. This step is crucial, as it ensures that your boffer axe is stable and safe to use.
To attach the handle, you will need a sturdy wooden dowel or PVC pipe that is the desired length for your boffer axe. Make sure to choose a material that is durable and will not break easily.
First, measure the foam head of your boffer axe and mark the center. Then, drill a hole in the center of the foam head that is slightly smaller than the diameter of your handle.
Next, apply a generous amount of strong adhesive or epoxy to the end of your handle. Insert the handle into the hole on the foam head and make sure it is centered and fully inserted.
Allow the adhesive or epoxy to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This will typically take a few hours or overnight.
Once the adhesive is fully dry, test the strength of the handle by giving it a gentle tug and making sure it is securely attached to the foam head. If it feels loose, reapply adhesive and allow it to dry again.
Finally, reinforce the attachment by wrapping the handle and foam head with duct tape or a similar strong and durable material. This will provide an extra layer of security and prevent the handle from coming loose during use.
With the handle securely attached, your boffer axe is now ready to be used for boffer battles and live-action role-playing games!
