Small question

[Father Nightroad]

I have a Zabimaru Cosplay Sword that I hope to use with my shinsengumi cosplay. I would like to enquire if it is permitted for general cosplaying I.e. walking around with sword UNDRAWN at the hip. Handle and saya is made of wood, The blade and guard made of blunted stainless steel (I have checked personally and no sharp edges are present). I have no intention of entering the competition itself so there are no skits or amazing poses. For transport purposes I have purchased a proper bag with which the item can be safely put away from the grabby hands of young children and unfavorable wielders.

Should it be necessary adhesive will be applied to ensure the questionable part remains in the scabbard

Please advise as to whether or not it is permitted.

Thank you

[Father Nightroad]

<-BUMP->

[mdb]

I really strongly urge people to really think about what they are bringing and why. If it is going to remain hidden why not bring a substitute so you can do exciting things with it

I'm the cosplay contest judge and the rules are very specifically tailored to reduce risk to cosplayers and audience (and event staff for that matter) given we have a fairly fluid set of areas to work in (they change event to event and from judging room to main stage and often from year to year in the same venue).

I would recommend them as a guide to what is best practice in the halls. You really cannot be in full control of the public and just ask anyone who has worn armour in the halls as to just how free the public feel to get close to your props and costumes- and yes that includes stealing them.

The police have been called before because of costumers with realistic weapons.

[Father Nightroad]

So is that a no go?

[Kiwi Kal El]

To answer your question is really difficult.

If the sword is truly blunt and you are carrying it with no intention of drawing it and using it as a weapon, but rather as a prop, then legally you are not breaking the law.

However as mdb has pointed out if that is your intention (not to draw the sword) then why have a metal one? If its never going to be seen then the question begs to be asked why not have the blade firmly fixed into the Saya or better yet have no blade at all and simply a fake handle attached to the Saya.

It looks the same and removes any issues or (as MDB suggested) any chance of a random person in the crowd grabbing the sword to wreak havock upon the innocent.

Give it some thought.

[Father Nightroad]

Well i think the only reason it would be drawn would be if there was a photo op but even then since this is the auckland event and I am assuming the roughly the same numbers as last year then I could probably only use it in the poses. As to substituting one I have no idea how to do it or what to use plus I haev hardly enough time as it is.

As to people getting hold of it NO WAY AM I LETTING IT OUTTA MY SIGHT!!! Mainly because I know what 5 year old kids are like and the damn thing cost me $112 so it wouldn't be to cheap to replace.

[Kiwi Kal El]

Dont get me wrong, I LOVE swords.

So I can totally relate, and figured you would only want to draw it for photos....

plus having posted this question shows you are considering your responcibilities and have a mature attitude. All of which is on the plus side.....

BUT, perhaps a PM to Bill might give you a better idea of the 'rules' on the convention per se.

BTW, a friend of mine attended Auckland last year dressed as Aang compleate with a wooden staff which seemed to be accepted

[Father Nightroad]

So, and this is my interpretation, I can bring the sword with me but the moment I start waving it around dangerously its out. Correct?