This blog lets me organize things so much better, so I can actually track my cosplay developments for my second revision of Kuro from the anime One Piece. The biggest task this time around is to redo the claws. The ones I had last year were adequate, but were not nearly the caliber I wanted them to be. The laminate didn't set right, there were a few bubbles, and the gloves were a task and a half all on their own. The undershirt wasn't quite right, but the shoes and coat were spot on. The main thing though were his claws.
I don't want dainty only foot long claws, as they lack the amazing effect my two and a half foot claws did. I could move them about seamlessly, and they were light enough that I could pose just like Kuro. This time, in the spirit of helping everyone do better cosplay (we all learn from each other) I am going to blog and post photos of the entire costume process. This way, when all is said and done, you can see a step by step journal for the creation of Kuro.
The materials I chose this time were again tagboard and dowels. Since these are hanging on my fingers for 8-10 hours, they had better be as light as possible. My housemate had also suggested copper tubing, but I would rather have the blades crack (wood) as opposed to bend or kink (metal). I suppose that point is a personal preference. So here is the general plan.
1) I cut out tagboard in the shape of a broadsword blade (symmetrical) and fold it along its center line. This creates a single edged blade "katana".
2) paint or somehow make the blades silver.
3) seal or close the blade so that it creates a "pocket"
4) affix dowels to glove. Last time, I drilled through the glove tips. This time, I'm looking for a new method.
4) slide "blades" onto dowels, creating bladed fingers! For the first time, this is when the prop starts to come together.
5) affix blades in place so they don't move.
I'm actually at step 1 right now, confined by my limited space. Unfortunately, unlike back in Roseville, I don't have a table where I can leave my work in progress, meaning I instead must use the bed, which has made my spreading our nature a bit difficult. However, I got 8 of the cutouts done, and they look well, like cutouts. Drawing straight lines, even with a ruler is a monumental task for me. Cutting in straight lines is even worse. Therefore, for me, cosplay is an enduring process.
So without further delay, the first of the pictures!
My limited workspace. Notice the clutter-- everywhere! First piece of template - A Half Blade Cutout Two half-blades make one unfolded Kuro blade Several of the cutouts made
In response to "The start of Kuro v2":
toothpaste and q-tips make the best claws ever