Werner Kaffl Photography

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  1. Props

Bat'leth of Kahless

The Star Trek Universe. This is a re-make of the Bat'leth of Kahless, to be seen only in Season 4, episode 8 of 'Deep Space 9', 'The Sword of Kahless'
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  • Size of the Bat'leth of Kahless

    Size of the Bat'leth of Kahless

    Planning phase, figuring out the size (suitable for a human). The final thing will be 140 cm by 45 cm

  • IMG_9858

    IMG_9858

  • Pattern

    Pattern

    Using the figured sizes to get a real size pattern (well, half of it to be exact)

  • Pattern complete

    Pattern complete

    Second half of the pattern, both combined

  • IMG_9894

    IMG_9894

  • The cut

    The cut

    Actual physical start of the project - 18 mm thick PVC foam

  • IMG_9955

    IMG_9955

  • Shaping

    Shaping

    Shaping the raw form. Be prepared, if you attempt this yourself, there's a lot of hand-sanding involved. 90% of the grinding work was done manually, machines might bite too deep or break it.

  • Filling and priming

    Filling and priming

    Bat'leth filled and primed...

  • Metallification

    Metallification

    Adding the metal effect - well, if you really want to know how, email me.

  • Heraldics added

    Heraldics added

    Metal effect pretty finished, adding EVA foam as a base for the grip.

  • Close-up metal

    Close-up metal

    Remember, this is actually plastic...

  • Heraldics 1

    Heraldics 1

    IMG_9975

  • Heraldics 2

    Heraldics 2

    IMG_9976

  • Heraldics 3

    Heraldics 3

    IMG_0102

  • Heraldics 4

    Heraldics 4

    IMG_0146

  • Sheaths

    Sheaths

    Although Bat'leths were never shown with sheaths, I decided to make some for the 4 main blades. Just to protect the weapon and other people from each other - Being all PVC foam, this isn't something for cosplay or show fights, it's rather meant for display or the occasional photo shooting.

  • Detail

    Detail

    2021-04-06-IMG_6753_DxO-denoise

  • Detail 2

    Detail 2

    2021-04-06-IMG_6746_DxO-denoise

  • Finally...

    Finally...

    The nerds amongst you will notice, this weapon lacks the (very badly executed) original lines, pretending this to be damascus steel. It also lacks the gold inlay writing, and the grip is wrapped differently. Well, knowing how Kahless forged this, and knowing how steel is forged, damascus steel seemed rather unlikely. The heraldic is badly executed on the original prop, but gold inlay writing is on it - this is rather inconsistent. Writing on a battle weapon is pretty much a film invention, who will read what's written on a blade that pierced you? Also, Kahless made this specifically for battle, not to show off what a great artist he was (if he was). I did bother with the Klingon sign though. It wouldn't be important due to the reasons mentioned before, but the center shape layout is specifically accommodating this symbol. The grip difference is mainly due to one problem, I couldn't get the correct leather straps anywhere. The fur I attached because many of Worf's weapons sport fur too.

  • Display...

    Display...

    IMG_0190

  • 2021-06-19-IMG_7484_DxO-denoise

    2021-06-19-IMG_7484_DxO-denoise

  • Re-making metal surface

    Re-making metal surface

    The original metal effect I applied looked ok, but not good enough for me. Texture is fine, but there was too much, so I ground everything off again and started over. Thie is after sanding with 400 grit sandpaper

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