How to make a Klingon or Fantasy Dagger

This is a simple card prop dagger based on the Klingon one from Star Trek. It can easily be adapted for other fantasy weapons.

This one will be used as a prop for a stills shoot in the future.

Step 1: Materials and design

This dagger will be made from card laminated to form the blade and handle.
I'm using 'show card' or 'border matt' card. It's the stuff that is used to frame watercolours and is available in large sheets from an art supply shop.
You could use any high density card that is about 1.5mm (1/16") thick.

You will also need some thin card, some VERY sharp knives, general purpose glue, a steel straight edge or ruler, a cutting mat, some car repair resin and some car repair body filler, and some paints (I use artists and hobby acrylics), a bit of kitchen foil and an old bottle top (screw on plastic type). A pencil.

I began by finding an image of a bladed weapon that I liked. I just browsed the net for one.
Next I roughed out my design on paper, then using the size of my hand as a guide, I started adding some dimensions. I used millimetres but use whatever suits you.

Once I had a rough that I liked, I VERY CAREFULLY drew it out correctly on to some thin card. I drew everything in pencil then outlined the main part in black pen.

This was then carefully cut out using a scalpel to form the main template.

Comments

[shurtugal81]

looks awesome! is there any tutorials for this kind of painting? i can't seem to find any

[marshon]

I was thinking of writing an 'ible for this ........ but that would leave me with no secret at all! Lmao!

[JamesN]

check out gamesworkshop.com You have to do some searching through the site, but they have some good tutorials on how to paint miniatures. Most of those painting techniques can be used on things like this as well.

[ilpug]

Yeah, that is called Drybrushing. It gives great effects.

[spizman]

oh, and you forgot about a house insignia

[marshon]

A house insignia? It's not eant to be an actual replica, it's just a prop.

[ilpug]

To be a realistic prop of a Klingon dagger, needs a house insignia, unless authenticity isn't an issue.

[spizman]

It would be great if you made the two side thingies flip open like they do in the show.

[marshon]

It's just a prop dagger and not meant to be a working model.

[shopkeeper19]

Trash or Treasure LLC has just opened a new store selling fantasy knives, swords, daggers, and medieval weapons. We have Samurai swords, Old World Style daggers, Viking helmets, Bascinets and much more. Very unique ideas for the person who loves to collect all things stainless. http://www.trashrtreasure.com

[marshon]

I'd much rather that you use your own channel, and not mine, to advertise your stuff. Especially since you haven't actually bothered to make a comment.
Thanks in advance.

[shopkeeper19]

I am doing a DIY SEO program with a company called Boostability and they instructed me to make a comment on your site. I would not intentionally do anything to upset you. I am new at this and just doing what they tell me to market my site.

I think that is an exceptional knife and thought that when I first saw the website but I was so worked up about doing my project I did not think to comment first. I am sorry, won't happen again. shopkeeper19

[jmccleve]

That's some great work. You have some real skill making fantasy weapons. Are you planning on making these to sell, or just for fun?

[marshon]

I'm happy to accept commission work, it's based on the number of hours it takes to make an item, so they can work out expensive.

[AJK2004]

I believe that this is called a d'k tahg (or Daqtagh)

[ilpug]

correct.

[Zebidiah Granger]

........ YES.

[unanonymous]

it doesnt really look klingon, but more lkike the dagger/sword from thundercats(cant remember the name)

[cowscankill]

Looks great as a prop! Of course, you could always try using steel and black micarta ;D
http://i71.servimg.com/u/f71/12/01/80/86/dk310.jpg

http://i71.servimg.com/u/f71/12/01/80/86/dk410.jpg

http://i71.servimg.com/u/f71/12/01/80/86/3blade10.jpg

Not mine, belongs to the admin of a weapons forum I am part of.

[marshon]

That looks cool, but I don't have access to a machine shop capable of using those materials and the costs would be a little high for a one use prop.
Nice nonetheless.

[cowscankill]

True, but when it comes to weapons I always try to make them realistic using real materials, unlike prop cameras/food/etc. Yours looks great! Do you have the rest of the costume?

[matstermind]

you woldn't happen to have any scans of the template would you?

[marshon]

No the only template was cut up to make the dagger. It was reasonably easy to draw it using a pencil and ruler though.

[wraith109]

Very Convincing, Great Work!

[marshon]

Thank you.