Yari

Yari (槍) is the term for one of the traditionally made Japanese blades (nihonto) in the form of a spear, or more specifically, the straight-headed spear.

The martial art of wielding the yari is called sōjutsu.

Your Yari was handed to you by your master many years ago. It was a bittersweet moment for you, because while it meant you overcome all obstacles in your training, it also meant it was time to set out on your own.

You find the handle comforting, your hand finding its usual well-worn grip. You look beyond the campfire where a fresh fish now cooks, sizzling in the heat, looking to the flickering shadows along the treeline. You have the sense that tonight you and your spear may once again be tested as you hear the unmistakable snap of a twig, your grip tightening in anticipation.

DETAILS

Epic Armoury’s Yari is an impressive 200 cm latex polearm inspired by the weapon that served as the backbone of feudal Japan’s infantry. This Yari is handpainted and sculpted, and the finished result is a beautiful weapon with a long double-edged 55 cm spearhead. A short golden ricasso attaches the spearhead to a black-lacquered and gold trimmed pole inspired by Asian design.

Made from durable closed cell foam around a fibreglass core and finished with a strong latex coating, you can feel confident that your LARP weapon will provide the safety and appeal you want when crafting your kit.

HISTORY

• A form of the spear has been used for hunting for at least 400,000 years
• Spears were the most common form of weaponry during the Stone Age, and remained popular until firearms were introduced
• Considered a traditional weapon of Japan that was relatively easy to use and manufacture
• The martial art of wielding a yari is called sojutsu

The best made blades are forged by the most skilled swordsmiths, the metal worked with such precision and care that the edge can cut through flesh so cleanly that a person might not even know they are dead.

You have commissioned a swordsmith to craft you a Katana. Before he is paid you want to be certain it is a properly made blade, and so you conduct a test. You produce a silken sheet, allowing it to descend lightly onto the Katana’s edge. The sheet is cut cleanly, not a thread mismatched.

The blade is perfect.

DETAILS

Epic Armoury’s Katana is a latex-hybrid longsword favoured by both deadly ninja assassins and samurai alike. The sword is 85 cm from tip to pommel with a 55 cm straight, single-edged blade, handpainted to look like real metal. A small oval crossguard protects the 20 cm handle, cast and painted to look like fabric bound in menuki-style.

Whether you are a samurai or ninja, this Katana is our highest quality gear due to its impressive durability and detail. The blade is made from closed cell foam around a fibreglass core and finished with a strong latex coating, while the handle is a polyurethane foam cast that allows for greater detail and no maintenance. This hybrid model sword will make you confident in the safety and appeal of your weapon on the battlefield.

HISTORY

• Traditionally used by samurai of feudal Japan
• Designed to be drawn from the sheath quickly to accommodate combat that required fast response times
• Paired with a tanto or wakizashi by samurai to display social power and personal honor

Your Nodachi was handed to you by your master, many years ago. It had been a bittersweet moment for you, because while it meant you had overcome all obstacles in your training, it also meant that it was time to set out on your own.

You find the handle comforting, your hand finding its usual well-worn grip. As a traveling samurai--a ronin--your sword is your only consistent companion.

You look beyond the campfire where a fresh fish now cooks, sizzling in the heat, looking to the flickering shadows along the treeline. You have the sense that tonight you and your sword may once again be tested as you hear the unmistakable snap of a twig, your grip on its handle tightening in anticipation.

DETAILS

Epic Armoury’s Dai Katana is a latex-hybrid sword featuring a distinctive Asian appearance with a squared guard. The sword is 140 cm long from tip to pommel, with a 105 cm slender, single-edged blade. The long detailed handle accommodates two hands and a firm, comfortable grip while on the battlefield. The handle is 24 cm long, cast and painted to look like fabric bound in a diamond patterned menuki-style.

Whether you are an honorable samurai or sneaky ninja, this Nodachi is our highest quality gear due to its impressive durability and detail. The blade is made from closed cell foam around a fibreglass core and finished with a strong latex coating, while the handle is a polyurethane foam cast that allows for greater detail and no maintenance. This hybrid model sword will make you confident in the safety and appeal of your weapon on the battlefield.

HISTORY

• Nodachi means “field sword” in Japanese
• Required extensive training to be used correctly
• Considered a symbol of skill and status, made to look dangerous in the hands of elite troops
• Typically used for ceremonies, duelling and calvarymen due to its long blade size

This bestselling Epic Armoury Maintenance Silicone is used for maintenance of Live Action Role Playing foam weapons and equipment covered with latex and/or varnish.

Directions for use:

Latex equipment must be coated with a thin layer of silicone at all times. This prevents the surfaces from drying out, and will prolong the lifespan of your latex equipment. Always check your latex equipment before and after each use. Spray the silicone directly onto your latex product and work it into the entire surface (avoiding leather handles) either with a piece of cloth or using a flat hand. If necessary, wipe off any excess with a dry cotton cloth. Always store your latex equipment in a dry and dark place.

The best made armour is crafted by the most skilled smiths, the leather worked with such precision and care that the wearer can move unhindered, but still protected on the battlefield.

You have commissioned a leather crafter to create a pair of Samurai Bracers for you. Before she is paid you want to be certain it is properly made armour, and so you conduct a test. With the bracers properly tied to your arm, you perform a series of sword drills, faster than the eye can properly see.

The bracers are perfect.

DETAILS

Epic Armoury’s Samurai Bracers are a set of leather vambraces designed to protect the forearms and hands in combat. Made from full-grain leather, these bracers have been sculpted to comfortably follow the shape of the arms. The leather has been hardened and the edges curved to add structural strength that will ensure added protection and longevity.

Comfortably secure the Samurai Bracers by lacing the leather cords on the underside and tightly wrap the heavy cotton fabric around the wrist. Attach the handguard by gripping the cotton cord around the knuckles. Inspired by Asian traditional armour, these bracers are perfectly matched with other products from Epic Armoury’s Asian Universe.

HISTORY

• Hand and arm protection are one of the oldest forms of armour, due to its importance in combat
• This particular style might also be referred to as a demi-gauntlet, due to its limited finger protection

The armour of the true warrior is in his heart.
But having something over that often helps.

The best made armour is crafted by the most skilled smiths, the leather worked with such precision and care that the wearer can move unhindered, but still protected on the battlefield.

You have commissioned a leather crafter to create Samurai Armour for you. Before she is paid you want to be certain it is properly made armour, and so you conduct a test. With the chestplate properly tied to your torso, you perform a series of sword drills, faster than the eye can properly see.

The armour is perfect.

DETAILS

Epic Armoury’s Samurai Armour is a leather cuirass designed as part of the Asian Universe. Inspired by traditional samurai, this cuirass is laminar armour made from long horizontal full-grain leather plates. With attached leather tassets, shoulderguards, and a cotton foundation, this armour uses overlapping plates to provide protection and excellent mobility. Each plate is tied together and adjusted using sturdy canvas cords.

This Samurai Armour has been shaped and molded to feel particularly stiff like steel, but can be put on as easily as a surcoat with adjustable long cotton straps at the flanks. This armour offers great movement on its own or can be worn with chain armour or other Epic Armour leather or metal works, giving you the freedom to create any samurai inspired character that you want. With regular leather care, you can expect this Samurai Armour to last a long time.

Available in colours Red and Black; and size Medium/Large.

HISTORY

• This armour would be considered a type of kiritsuke iyozane dou, or simulated large scale lamellar
• Considered a type of dou, in Japanese, and was a major component of Japanese armour
• Thigh guards hanging from the cuirass were called kusazuri
• Shoulder armour was called sode, often made from iron and leather plates
• Would have often been worn with chain armour (or kusari)
• Long cotton cords would be tied into decorative knots

This item has been discontinued

The best made blades are forged by the most skilled swordsmiths, the metal worked with such precision and care that the edge can cut through flesh so cleanly that a person might not even know they are dead.

You have commissioned a swordsmith to craft you a Wakizashi. Before he is paid you want to be certain it is a properly made blade, and so you conduct a test. You produce a silken sheet, allowing it to descend lightly onto the Wakizashi’s edge. The sheet is cut cleanly, not a thread mismatched.

The blade is perfect.

DETAILS

Epic Armoury’s Wakizashi is a high-quality latex short sword favoured by both deadly ninja assassins and samurai alike. The 40 cm straight blade is single-edged, handpainted to look like real metal. A small oval crossguard protects the 15 cm handle, which is bound in menuki-style using durable leather.

Made from durable closed cell foam around a fibreglass core and finished with a strong latex coating, you can feel confident that your LARP weapon will provide the safety and appeal you want when crafting your Asian-inspired kit.

HISTORY

• Traditionally used by samurai of feudal Japan
• Designed to be drawn from the sheath quickly to accommodate combat that required fast response times
• Paired with a katana or wakizashi by samurai to display social power and personal honor

The best made blades are forged by the most skilled swordsmiths, the metal worked with such precision and care that the edge can cut through flesh so cleanly that a person might not even know they are dead.

You have commissioned a swordsmith to craft you a Tanto. Before he is paid you want to be certain it is a properly made blade, and so you conduct a test. You produce a silken sheet, allowing it to descend lightly onto the Tanto’s edge. The sheet is cut cleanly, not a thread mismatched.

The blade is perfect.

DETAILS

Epic Armoury’s Tanto is one of the smaller latex weapons in the Asian Universe collection. Inspired by a historical weapon of Japan, the Tanto goes perfectly with a samurai’s set of swords. The 26 cm is straight with a single-edge, meeting a small oval crossguard that protects the 10 cm handle wrapped in split-leather.

Made from durable closed cell foam around a fibreglass core and finished with a strong latex coating, you can feel confident that your LARP weapon will provide the safety and appeal you want when crafting your Asian-inspired kit.

HISTORY

• Traditionally used by samurai of feudal Japan
• Designed to be drawn from the sheath quickly to accommodate combat that required fast response times
• Paired with a katana or wakizashi by samurai to display social power and personal honor

Your Naginata was handed to you by your master, many years ago. It was a bittersweet moment for you, because while it meant you overcome all obstacles in your training, it also meant it was time to set out on your own.

You find the soft leather along the handle comforting, your hand finding its usual well-worn grip. You look beyond the campfire where a fresh fish now cooks, sizzling in the heat, looking to the flickering shadows along the treeline. You have the sense that tonight you and your spear may once again be tested as you hear the unmistakable snap of a twig, your grip tightening in anticipation.

DETAILS

Epic Armoury’s Spear Naginata is a 180 cm latex polearm inspired by the samurai of traditional Japan. The Spear Naginata’s 60 cm single-edged blade is attached to a split-leather wrapped pole, allowing you to stab, slash, and parry with alacrity. A large oval crossguard adds to the Asian design, along with a matching pommel handpainted to look like metal.

Made from durable closed cell foam around a fibreglass core and finished with a strong latex coating, you can feel confident that your LARP weapon will provide the safety and appeal you want when crafting your Asian-inspired kit.

Available in Gold, Silver, and Copper.

HISTORY

• A form of the spear has been used for hunting for at least 400,000 years
• Spears were the most common form of weaponry during the Stone Age, and remained popular until firearms were introduced
• This particular design is similar to a naginata, a Japanese weapon that included a single-edged blade attached to the end of a pole

You are a citizen of the Roman Empire, and a professional heavy infantryman of the Roman Army. You enlisted in your legion for twenty-five years of service, and you are both relieved and anxious to know you have only a few years left.

As you grip your military-issued Ancient Spear, preparing alongside your fellow soldiers to go into battle, you hope that your training will continue to serve you well. At the very least, you have confidence in the sharpness of your weapon.

DETAILS

This bestselling Epic Armoury Ancient Spear is a long, leaf-shaped Roman spear perfect for your next LARP character. The spear is detailed with a lot of personality, including a spearhead featuring a golden fuller. These little details continue down the pole with brass-coloured bands and imitations of dark red leather bindings, giving way to a fine wooden texture painted to look like polished black wood.

The obvious choice with this weapon is the Elliptical Shield, but this spear is neutral enough to be used with almost any combination of Epic Armoury equipment that best fits your character. Made from durable closed cell foam around a fibreglass pipe and finished with a strong latex coating, you can feel confident that your LARP weapon will provide the safety and appeal you want when crafting your kit.

HISTORY

• Also referred to as a hasta, which is Latin for spear
• Carried by early Roman Legionaries
• A hasta was about 2 meters in length, with a shaft generally made from ash, while the head was of iron

The color of red flies true through the air, streaking behind the razor thin edge of your Guandao. Like a knife through butter, you watch your blade move through your target. It falls into two distinct pieces at your feet.

Your master barks his approval. Without rest you continue, the red scrap of fabric tied to your weapon allowing you to test your strike quality and speed. The damage against the next target is just as clean and rewarding.

DETAILS

Epic Armoury’s Guandao is a 170 cm latex polearm inspired by Chinese martial arts. Similar to a Japanese naginata or a European glaive, this guandao features a large 69 cm blade and 80 cm long staff. Hand painted and sculpted, the finished result is a beautiful weapon with a long single-edged spearhead. Sculpted golden details give additional character where the spearhead meets the red leather wrapped pole. Add a ring or a scrap of fabric through the hole in the blade to set it apart from the crowd.

Made from durable closed cell foam around a fibreglass core and finished with a strong latex coating, you can feel confident that your Guandao LARP weapon will provide the safety and appeal you want when crafting your kit.

HISTORY

• A form of the spear has been used for hunting for at least 400,000 years
• Spears were the most common form of weaponry during the Stone Age, and remained popular until firearms were introduced
• In Chinese, the guandao is properly called a yanyuedao
• Rings secured through the back edge of the blade are used in modern martial arts so that students can determine strike and thrust quality

Enough is enough. You’ve been pushed too far, and you will no longer take such abuse from power.

The king has raised taxes once more, leaving you and your family hungry. Alongside other farmers like yourself, you’ve fashioned your own Battle Scythes, prepared to defend your land and your kin the next time the king’s men demand more than is owed.

DETAILS

Epic Armoury’s Battle Scythe is a 190 cm latex poleaxe inspired by war or military scythes. Featuring a curved, single-edged 45 cm blade and a long wood-like staff, this hand painted and sculpted scythe is a weapon for any mercenary, revolutionary, or dangerous farmer. Small sculpted details, like grommets attaching the blade to the staff, give this poleaxe a particularly realistic look.

Made from durable closed cell foam around a fibreglass core and finished with a strong latex coating, you can feel confident that your Battle Scythe LARP weapon will provide the safety and appeal you want when crafting your kit.

HISTORY

• A normal scythe would have been used as a farming tool, but a curved blade repurposed as a weapon on a staff was also used
• War scythes were constructed as a defensive weapon against cavalry
• A common weapon used in peasant uprisings

Your Long Yari was handed to you by your master many years ago. It was a bittersweet moment for you, because while it meant you overcame all obstacles in your training, it also meant it was time to set out on your own.

You find the handle comforting, your hand finding its usual well-worn grip. You look beyond the campfire where a fresh fish now cooks, sizzling in the heat, looking to the flickering shadows along the treeline. You have the sense that tonight you and your spear may once again be tested as you hear the unmistakable snap of a twig, your grip tightening in anticipation.

DETAILS

Epic Armoury’s Long Yari is an incredible 255 cm latex polearm inspired by the weapon that served as the backbone of feudal Japan’s infantry. Over half a meter taller than its regular Yari cousin, this Long Yari version will provide more reach on the battlefield than ever before. This spear is handpainted and sculpted, and the finished result is a beautiful weapon with a long double-edged spearhead. A short golden ricasso attaches the spearhead to a black-lacquered and gold trimmed pole inspired by Asian design.

Made from durable closed cell foam around a fibreglass core and finished with a strong latex coating, you can feel confident that your LARP weapon will provide the safety and appeal you want when crafting your kit.

As your grandaddy once preached, give a fool a pike and he’ll defeat a trained, but foolish horseman. Give a trained fool a pike, and you’ve just defeated an army.

With this in mind, you decided to become a master of the Pike Pole. No one on horseback or any weapon of short stature dare run you down for fear of their lives. Your grandaddy would be proud.

DETAILS

Epic Armoury’s Pike Pole is a 90cm spear designed for infantry, inspired by both the glaive and pike. It features a long bladed spearhead with a clawed spike, sculpted and hand painted to look like real metal. The head is actually made of soft foam, reinforced with a harder foam core. It attaches to the hand painted shaft, textured to look like dark wood. The grip is shorter to allow for better close combat.

Made from durable closed cell foam around a solid 10 mm fibreglass core and finished with a strong latex coating, your new LARP spear will provide the safety and appeal you want when crafting your Defiant kit.

HISTORY

• A true pike would feature a spearhead without a blade or claw
• Pikes and bladed spears often competed in length to outmatch opponents
• Was not historically great in close combat, but this version has been shortened to be more wieldy on the battlefield