Best way to construct the "Ninja Claw"

[JatneDan]

Hey dude. I am going to have to agree with these guys on this one. there are to many "what- ifs" You are more than welcome to my place and make such awesome virbos (because Im going to make something similar) but lets also have  a con-safe set of gauntlets ok dude?

[Ca Loar]

Go the safe rout. Don't make it functional. Even people who bring in airsoft rifles get their weapons tagged. It would look awfully silly walking around with bright orange/pink tape  wrapped around your gaunt.
But it's all a mute point at this time as nothing has been built yet. Several people have tried the spring loaded retractable blades and it's an engineering feet to get them to actually work. I've only seen one on a Predator from across the pond that was fully functional and it took money and time.
But do what you will we are only here to recomend and suggest, It's your responsibility to do the right thing. But any who-happy building.

[Slade Kel (Marrok)]

I halfway agree with the others. Make it retractable, but not spring-loaded. If you have to flip it out manually, that means you'll be paying more attention to where it's flipping. Also, you'll definitely want to make it out of plastic, sintra or whatever. I know the lure of wanting metal blades, as I originally had the same desire myself, but in most cons and many other types of events, any kind of metal weapon, whether sharp or not, has to be peace-bonded so that it cannot be drawn. They don't care if it does hold an edge, just that there is the possibility of it holding an edge. With a little Rub n Buff wax, you can make plastic look like metal, and pretty much any event security won't bother you about it.

Also, you may want to contact the artist, and the merc whose armor that picture represents. I forget who precisely, but they're both members of one of the South American clans. I'm sure they won't mind you basing your claw off of his, but it's still polite to ask. Aysin Fett is/was the original organizer of the South Americans, or at least of them getting into the Mercs, so she'll probably be able to point you at the right people.

[Kex Falco]

I was planning on doing something similar for my right gaunt, but with straight piercing things rather than curved cutting blades. And you wouldn't believe what I'm using for the pointy parts... anodized aluminum knitting needles.

If I can find a way to do it, I'm gonna try and make 'em retractable. So they don't get in the way of my hands unless I have them out. Mostly because I plan on contact juggling a pair of thermal detonators when I'm in costume, which requires my hands to be unencumbered.

[Hondo Karr]

Especially being in the NY area, I would HIGHLY suggest you not use the aluminum sewing needles. That would be classed as a concealed weapon in NY.

[Demar Falco]

To Kal, you should listen!

epic win


but yea....im still fighting to make a retractable knife that is even LEGAL, am having problems even with that.

[Slade Kel (Marrok)]

Make it 3" long and not spring-loaded and you'll be covered in virtually all states Demar. The size fluxes from 3-5" depending on state, and spring-loaded 'automatic' types are illegal almost everywhere unless you're currently serving military or law enforcement. Of course, if you just made it plastic or wood, you'd have no troubles at all.

[Demar Falco]

That's the problem. In NY spring blades and gravity blades are illegal. And im trying to make it action release. (button/ switch/ gravity)

But I can do it.

[Taglar Dreskk]

Stick with blasters.

[GreatSkyRiver Falco]

good old fashion one piece for me . only thing extra is the handle material.

[JatneDan]

well what might work is the Skupinski method. You have the vibro in your sheath, right? but there is 1 slit at the top that goes all along the gauntlet. in this slitt is a "peg" if you will, that is attached to the actual blade. so when you slide the peg forward, the blade slides out. as for gravity: mak sure the blade is loose inside the sheath so that when pointed down it comes out. just place a rubber band in front of the peg to keep it in and a stopper farther down so it doesnmt fall out. t might jiggle though..

[Da'Rang Falco]

Okay, I have kept quiet about this long enough!  I tried to get ALL of you to heed my warning, but NO ONE is listening!  Having a WEAPON as part of your costume is NOT a way to go.  I agree that all of us push the boundaries about what is a weapon and what is not.  For example, a repainted toy gun, a plastic knife that is made of a degenerative plastic or rubber.  Swords made of wood.  But the things being discussed in this topic would be classified as weapons, it doesn't matter WHAT state you are from!  I am saying this not only for the protection of this group (because if you are arrested with the weapon in your possession, knowing our luck, they'll mention the Mandalorian Mercs), but for your own protection.  You do NOT want to be caught at a con with most of the things being discussed here as it would lead to a police officer arresting you and reading you your Miranda Rights.  If that happens, all you're getting from me is a carton of cigarettes and a bottle of Anal Ease!!!!!

[Taglar Dreskk]

I think it's safe to say that we've reached a concensus here that functioning knives/blades/swords, metal knives/blades/swords, spring-loaded, sharpened, or otherwise pointy devices should not be used in costume.  If you're using it for a non-Mercs applicable costume, then they don't belong here.  Take them to another forum.