Hi!
It's Cath and I'm back here today
with another walking dead inspired miniature!
Today, we're going to make a 1:12 scale
miniature replica of Michonne's katana.
So without further ado, let's get started.
The first thing you'll need is a 1/4 inch wooden dowel.
Make a mark 3.5 inches from one end.
This will be the full length of your katana.
Then make another mark 1 inch away from that point.
This section is going to be the handle.
Add a mark 1/8 of an inch from there
to create the collar
which separates the blade from the handle.
As you can see, the handle is 1 inch long
the collar is 1/8 of an inch and
the blade is just under 2.5 inches.
Start shaving down the blade area with an xacto knife.
You want to thin it out to the point where
it's flatter on 2 sides than the other
See how the round dowel is now an oval?
That's what we're looking for.
Then I outlined the blade shape
making sure to add a slight curve to the end.
That curve is essential to ensuring your katana
doesn't come out looking like a sword.
I cut on those lines and then file it down
to smooth out all the edges.
Once you have the basic shape down
draw a line straight down the center of the blade.
This will help you create a bezeled edge.
File down and away from that line
to create that bezel.
I know this is appears a little thick
but you don't want to thin it out too much
or you'll run the risk of it being super fragile.
Next, let's tackle making the handle.
I first score on the mark we drew.
Just shave it down making sure to taper it in
on the end just a little bit.
You only need to take off a few thin layers
and then just file it until it's smooth.
Using metallic silver spray paint
I spray on 2 coats.
I couldn't get this same shiny smooth look
with acrylic paint so this spray paint is a must.
At this point, you can remove the excess wood
and just keep the katana part
but I like to keep it
just to have a handle to grip on to.
With some painter's tape
I cut a thin strip
and add it to the top and bottom
area of the handle.
Then using some black acrylic paint
I paint in that middle section.
Then with some metallic gold acrylic paint
I paint on a small design.
This is more of a blob than a design..
but no worries
Most of this gets covered on later.
Make sure to do that to both sides of the handle.
Using some waxed dental floss
we’re going to make the wrap design
for the katana.
Make a tight knot and add superglue
to reinforce it.
Tie a knot on one side
flip the katana over
and tie a knot on the other side
Make sure to keep alternating back and forth.
To add some gold detail to the blade
add a thin strip of painter’s tape around
the top of the blade closest to the collar.
Now I’m removing the excess wood.
I just break it right off.
File down that rough edge
and add some silver acrylic paint.
To make the carrying case, I’m using
some craft foam sheets.
It doesn’t matter what color you use
because we’ll be painting over it anyway
You want to roll a small section into a tube
that will fit the diameter of your katana.
Cut that section out
Glue the ends together with some E6000 glue.
As you can see, this foam is flexible so it’ll
contort to fit the curve of the katana.
Cut a small piece of foam out.
We’ll use this to close one end
of the tube that we just made.
Glue it to one end and cut off the excess.
Now I’m just taking down the length of this case
because it’s a little bit too long.
For the straps, I just a thin strip of foam.
Wrap it around the middle of the tube
and cut off the excess.
Glue down one end
Then with some 20 gauge jewelry wire
I make a buckle by rolling it around
a needle nosed plier.
Slip that onto the strap
and glue the strap down
Make the same strap/buckle contraption
to the end of the tube.
Make sure it’s the end that we didn’t close up
For the carrying strap
cut a long thin piece of foam
and glue both ends to the buckles.
Now I just score the surface of the case
with the back of my knife to give it
a more leathery, used texture.
Then I dab on some brown acrylic paint.
And then add some lighter brown acrylic
paint on top.
Add some gold paint for the strap details.
For the stitching detail on the case
I use white acrylic paint
to create some X’s down the shaft.
With some dental floss
I add the same wrap design
that we did on the katana handle.
Make sure to keep flipping it over
to alternate the side where you’re tying the knots.
See how bendy this case this?
The katana will have no trouble
fitting into this.
Thanks for watching guys!
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See you next time! Bye!