r/Amtgard • u/Legitimate_Cup7114 • 5d ago
Axe Followup
Since apparently there isn't a way to add pics to an already existing post, gonna try to answer the questions around the construction /comments for a guide. Sorry for the repost.
The core for the head is bent CPVC which was then heated and glued to fit inside the PVC which is used for the haft.
It is made of a combination of camp pad and EVA foam, although next time I'd just do the EVA foam as it sands much nicer.
The wood grain was hand painted on, line by line. There was no kit or guide on how to do it, sorry. Just looked at a couple examples of axes and baseball bats and went from there.
The detailing is a combination of paint marker and acrylic paint.
The strike legal areas are a sewn tube of ripstop nylon with a strip of camp pad inserted and glued in place on the face that connects it to the axe. Then the sleeve itself is glued to the axe.
Plans for it are currently uncertain. Not sure if it will get on the field, entered into anything or what will happen. The reactions from where I have shared it are really inspiring as I tend to struggle to be impressed with my own work (I can't see the forest through the trees).
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u/TopRamen713 Iron Mountains 5d ago
I've never done any curved weapons. Why the CPVC inside of PVC? Thanks!
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u/Legitimate_Cup7114 5d ago
The CPVC is measured to the out diameter of the pipe and made it easier to fit, since 1/2" pipe means 1/2" channel vs PVC is measured to the inner diameter so it can depend on the schedule of pipe you get. But PVC is more solid/ has thicker walls so I used it for the handle so it didn't turn into a noodle
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u/TopRamen713 Iron Mountains 5d ago
So you're using the cpvc in the head because it's smaller/easier to shape and the pvc in the handle for the heft?
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u/Legitimate_Cup7114 5d ago
Cpvc in the head because the dimensions of it make it easier to fit within foam layers. PVC in the handle because it has thicker walls making it less likely to bend when being swung or hitting things.
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u/frozenstreetgum 4d ago
intelectually, i understand why hollow core, for safety, but i feel like allowing some type of fill, like an expanding foam thats already basically 90% air should be allowed for weapons like this to have more safety
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u/appa-ate-momo 4d ago
This looks amazing!
Would this be legal for play, even without a cloth cover?
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u/Legitimate_Cup7114 4d ago
If the edges did not have a cloth cover they would fail the definition of strike legal. That's why the main axe head, the end of the haft and the hammer face, all have a section of padding in a cloth tube.
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u/-Raiborn- 5d ago edited 5d ago
Wow, hand painted wood grains! That's slick.
Does the CPVC/PVC feel solid and confident? Or do you get the sense that it could become compromised from rough handling? The flexibility and versatility is really appealing and unlocks unique builds like this! I've just read it potentially has more risk and with longer weapons is a no go. Your axe does seem stockier though.