A note to our film, larp, special event, private party, ren-faire, SCA, HEMA and cosplay friends:
Thinking of buying or renting one of our items? On this page I’m going to tell you why that is a very bad idea.
- First: Weapons of Choice provides prop weaponry for stage, not for fencers or historical re-creation societies or people who want an impressive wall hanging. I work on the thirty foot rule – if it looks OK from the distance of the stage to the first row of the audience, then that’s good enough. Since I don’t expect the audience to be able to closely inspect the items, I don’t have to worry about taking the extra days it would take to better finish the look of the products. That is part of what keeps my prices low.
People who work in theatre understand this. Costumes, scenery, furniture, props – it all has to look just good enough to fool the audience, and often just from one side! If you need something that looks good close up – well, that’s not what I do.
- Second: I do not rent out swords for weddings, quiceñeras or costume parties. Don’t even bother to ask, because I can’t afford the insurance. [And a special note to our cosplay friends: NONE of our items are acceptable as costume weapons under any ComiC-Con© rules. They cannot be peacebonded and will not pass inspection.]
- Third: Stage combat items are designed for the style of fighting taught by SAFD. These swords are not recommended for use by fencers or re-enactors. Those are completely different techniques, requiring completely different weapons.
I know that most lay people will not be aware of how things work in theatre. So, if you decide that a purchase is not the kind of item that suits your needs, you are free to return the item within 10 days of its delivery to you, and you will be charged only the original shipping cost. So please take a good look at what you’ve received. And if you have questions – ask!