Places to rent or buy Prop Weapons for filming

[sandstorm]

Wondering if anyone knows of places to rent or buy Prop swords and such. Like the ones you see in movies, I think they use some kind of softer, safer aluminum.

But they still got that glossy, metallic finish.

Looking to have more options.

Any suggestions appreciated.

Thanks!

-- Sandstorm

[JohnASE]

Light weight prop swords? It's funny, but I've never thought about this! I've been in the martial arts business for decades, I grew up in Hollywood, worked for a company that published Martial Arts Movies magazine, and I even have a friend (who I've lost touch with) that's a prop master! We've even sold bo staffs and karate uniforms for film and TV use (My Name is Earl and Alias).

Are you in the Los Angeles Area?

I have another friend who works for a prop rental company, but I think they mostly deal in set dressing stuff. If I remember, next time I see him, I'll ask him if he knows anyone.

Oh, I just thought of another friend who does props. I'll shoot him a quick message!

I'll report back if I learn anything useful.

Good luck with your project! I have a few friends (more acquaintances really) who have made indie films, and I know what a labor of love they can be, and what a headache, too!

Wow! Crazy coincidence! I was just about to submit this, and I just now got a call from someone looking for a "wooden katana" for a movie! I love it when life throws things like this at me! I gave her details, but she didn't say whether she wanted it or not.

[isshinryu5toforever]

If you're looking for prop swords that can take heavy contact, they won't be light. The light ones are great for swinging around to look cool, but once you start making heavy contact for any kind of scene, they need to be much thicker and made of carbon steel. I don't think aluminum would stand up to much of a beating.

https://www.stagesteel.com has some stuff you might want to look at, but if you're doing an extended scene, your actors need to be pretty strong. That's why all sword schools are built around a single blow, swinging around a big piece of steel makes you tired haha.

[sandstorm]

Thanks JohnASE & isshinryu5toforever for the helpful info!

@isshinryu5toforever - Hmm, yeah guessing they really use those types of metals in films like Crouching Tiger. To stand up to constant sparring/beating.

@JohnASE - I'm in the SF Bay area mainly. From time to time, I go to LA and help my friend with film projects. Should I be in the LA in the future, I'll be sure to keep your info handy. Thanks for reachin out to your contacts!

Yeah, its been hard to find prop weapons in stores and online.

Did a bit of research at Chinatown, most of em either only carry real or obviously fake.

We're still in research/development mode and it may take a while till we raise enough money for the film and shift gears into production.

Appreciate any kind of suggestion or advice.

Thanks all!

[isshinryu5toforever]

What kinds of swords are you looking for? Are we talking katana or taichi swords? The type you're looking for, and what you're looking to do with it will really affect what you buy. How much metal on metal contact are we talking? Are you going to do something that's wood on metal, like bo vs sword? Can you tell us more about the scene? I have helped people with choreography before. I'm definitely not a movie guy by any means, but I know a tiny bit. Or I know people who would know.

[JohnASE]

My friend got back to me with a place in Burbank. They list a number of movies, TV, etc. that they've done work for.

http://www.swordandstone.com/

I saw an aluminum broadsword on the site, but no samurai sword. That doesn't necessarily mean they don't do them. Sounds pricey to me, but I don't know for sure.

Here's a quote from their "About" page.

Sword & Stone is located in Burbank, CA. Founded over 15 years ago by master blacksmith, Tony Swatton, Sword & Stone has established itself as the trusted source for handcrafted, historically accurate pieces, custom designed for the needs of creative directors. The shop specializes in custom made arms, armour & props for television, film & the serious collector. We are a full service blacksmith shop which creates one of a kind pieces and not a mass production factory.

[sandstorm]

@isshinryu5toforever - We're goin for like katanas and such. Its a modern look. Like a street fight in a city, where they got those plain butcher knives. Nothing medieval. There could be metal vs wood fights. A typical brawl like in an alley.

Scenarios in the script could change. We'll look into choreographers if/when we reach certain phases of production.

@JohnASE - Thanks for the link to the site. Not quite what we're looking for in this particular project, but good to know for future ref. Appreciate all who is askin around.

[isshinryu5toforever]

If you're going for a modern look, then it would be pipes, a few knives, maybe a machete. That would make an interesting scene. Other than the crazy people you hear about on the news, not a lot of people walk around slicing people open with katana.

[JohnASE]

Off Topic: A few months ago, a male porn actor here in the LA area allegedly killed someone with a samurai sword. Police had him cornered on a cliff for a while. When they tased him, he jumped! I remember watching the news and seeing him up on the top of the cliff. I'm sure Googling would turn up stories and video if anyone is interested.

[isshinryu5toforever]

Ok, I remember that, so maybe people still do kill each other with cheaply produced katana...