From CosplayWiki

This tutorial details how to make a lifesize Revolver Gunblade as wielded by Squall of Final Fantasy VIII.

Contents 1 How to make a Gunblade 1.1 Materials 1.2 Tools 1.3 Procedure 1.3.1 1.0 Create the blade 1.3.2 2.0 Create the hilt 1.3.3 3.0 Create the revolver chamber 1.3.4 Glue together 1.3.5 Create the barrel 1.3.6 Finish

How to make a Gunblade

The Gunblade was my third Final Fantasy creation, the first being the Buster Sword, and the second being a FlameSabre Gunblade. You can adapt this tutorial for any Gunblade-like weapon, including all of Squall's arsenal. Size is also determined by how big you want to make it.

Here is an template of the shapes you need to cut out: Gunblade Template

Materials

• 5mm ply 1.5m x .3m
• 20mm wood 30 x 60
• Glue (wood glue or hot glue gun works best)
• 40mm Dowel, 10mm diameter
• Paint
• Nails
• Sandpaper
• Black electric tape

Tools

• Jigsaw/Bandsaw
• Belt Sander
• Hammer
• Clamps
• Paintbrushes

Procedure

1.0 Create the blade

On your ply, draw a the complete shape of the Gunblade, including handle, trigger guard, trigger etc. Keep it as close to the edges as possible to save wood.

Cut out using your saw. To cut inside the trigger guard, use a drill to drill a hole in the blank space that a jigsaw can easily get through, then cut out the hole.

Sand the blade edge down to create a blade.

2.0 Create the hilt

Using your blade as a template, draw TWO hilts, including the piece around the revolver.

Cut out. See above step for cutting out the trigger detail.

3.0 Create the revolver chamber

Using your excess ply, cut out SIX pieces of wood. Two pieces should be square and fit inside the area of your revolver piece an inch on every side. Two pieces should be the same length as this, but minus 20mm in width. The last two pieces should be the same length again, but minus 20mm in width again.

Glue three pieces of the revolver chamber together, biggest on the bottom and smallest on top. Do this so you have two separate pieces the same. Clamp and leave overnight.

Sand each piece so it make a rough rounded shape.

Glue together

Glue the two pieces of the hilt onto the blade.

Clamp and leave overnight.

Once dry, glue the revolver pieces on either side of the hilt. Nail for security, clamp and leave overnight.

Create the barrel

Cut the dowel in half so you have two 20mm pieces. Cut both of these lengthways so you have 4 20mm half circle pieces. Glue and nail onto each side of the blade, in the centre, and touching the hilt.

Finish

Sand all over.

Paint the blade and revolver chamber silver, everything else grey.

Wrap the hilt in tape or paint black.

Paint the lion symbol on each side.

You've now created your Gunblade!