In this blog, we will take an in-depth look at the evolution and development of LARP weaponry, discover what goes into their construction, and share some maintenance tips.

What does LARP stand for?

LARP stands for Live-Action and Role Play, which covers a broad range of interests, from Cosplay to role-playing and straightforward costume events. According to the LARP Portal (a blog dedicated to what has become known as LARPing) the term can trace its roots back to Dagorhir, which emerged in the 1970s. Dagorhir is a full-contact, live-action combat game. LARPing emerged as an extension of classic role-playing board games, such as Dungeons & Dragons, and historical reenactments.

What is a LARP weapon?

Participants initially used weapons made of foam-padded PVC pipe secured with duct tape, which were called “boffer” weapons. Boffers were the earliest form of LARP weapon. Over time, participants and organizers sought more realistic and safer equipment as the hobby grew in popularity. Today, organized LARP events tend to have rules governing the weapons participants use to ensure the safety of all involved. LARP-approved weapons sold at the Pirate Clothing Store should conform to most event standards, but always check with the organizers first. A quality LARP weapon can be used for safe role-play fighting or as a realistic accessory to a period costume.

Types of LARP Weapon

LARP weapons come in all shapes and sizes and cover various genres, including Renaissance, pirates, Viking, medieval, and fantasy.

Melee Weapons

The most common LARP weapons are swords, which include numerous types of longswords, broadswords, and short swords. Their design reflects historical trends or fantasy aesthetics.  Cutlasses and scimitars were especially popular among pirates, favored for their deadly precision in close-quarter fighting. A pirate captain would often carry a longer dueling sword, or sabre, to denote rank and class.

Other melee weapons include axes, maces, and hammers, inspired by some of the earliest recorded confrontations, including the Viking, Roman, and medieval eras. However, boarding axes were regularly used among 17th- and 18th-Century pirates, which doubled as a weapon and a tool to bring down rigging.

Daggers and knives were a must-have weapon for pirates and another popular type of LARP weapon used for extremely close combat or stealthy attacks. A knife is an essential item for a swashbuckling character.

Range Weapons

LARP bows and crossbows use foam or latex-tipped arrows to ensure safety during battles. Although pirates are best known for their use of swords, knives, and muskets, buccaneers of the 16th, 17th, and even 18th centuries regularly used bow and arrow and later crossbows for medium-range fighting that was too close for cannon but too distant for hand-to-hand combat.

Shields

Shields are commonly used for defensive play and are available in various sizes and designs to match character needs. LARP-approved shields are ideal for medieval, Viking, and many other role-play scenarios. Although evidence suggests that pirates occasionally used shields, they were primarily small and designed for close-quarter fighting in a boarding action. Shields tend to be heavy and unwieldy, and the swashbucklers from the Golden Age of Piracy relied on tactics, including initiation, surprise, and overwhelming numbers.

Numerous other LARP weapons are available, including a broad range of fantasy weapons, throwing weapons, and those with a magical twist.

LARP Weapon Accessories

Swords and knives can be hung from belts, using hangers and scabbards usually attached with straps or, in ancient times, a simple ring. Full-length scabbards protect the blade and its wearer, sheathing the entire length of the sword or knife. Hangers generally offer a short collar, which will keep the sidearm in place but will not protect the blade. Specialized sword belts, which use a double-banded belt, carry the sword lower on the thigh, ensuring the grip is within easy reach. 

Baldrics and bandoliers were also commonly used for mounting knives and grenades and for hanging powder horns and bags of shot for muskets. 

LARP Safety Standards and Regulations - The Basics

LARPing is about immersing yourself in a character, having fun, and doing it all safely. Safety is paramount in LARP, where high-energy activities can pose risks.

Material and Construction Safety

LARP weapons at the Pirate Clothing Store are soft enough to prevent injury yet firm enough to withstand use. We source from only the best manufacturers to ensure your LARP weapon withstands the rigors of action. Our live-action role-playing (LARP) foam swords and knives are built to look the part, last for years, and provide a realistic yet completely safe accessory to complete your pirate outfit. Our Lswords comprise a high-quality, flexible, fiber-glass core construction, usually combining a Kevlar tip for durability. Depending on the model, padding compositions are based on either closed-cell ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), polyurethane (PU), or a hybrid of the two. A pigmented latex coating ensures a realistic finish. Premium models may also include genuine leather-bound grips and steel guards.

How durable are LARP weapons?

Our LARP weaponry’s tear-resistant foam is designed for role-play action and period costume events. High-energy role-play will affect the longevity of your sidearm, but thanks to the fiberglass core and kevlar tip found in most of our LARP swords, we expect they will provide many years of service.

Maintaining Your LARP Weapon

Different materials require different care, so make sure you know what materials are in your LARP weapon. However, these general maintenance tips apply to all LARP weapons.

• Regular cleaning and care will extend your weapon’s service life
• Only clean with nonabrasive materials and avoid the use of powerful cleaning agents. We recommend using a damp, soft cloth.
• Always dry your LARP weapon before storage
• Store away from direct sunlight 

Silicone spray can be applied to latex-coated weapons to help prevent drying and cracking, but always wipe off any excess silicone before storage.

LARP Organization Guidelines

Organizations, including the International Fantasy Gaming Society (IFGS) and Belegarth, have specific rules for weapon construction and combat to ensure player safety. Be sure to check out the weapon guidelines provided by the event organizers. Also, keep in mind that younger or novice players may face restrictions on the types of weapons they can use to ensure safety.

LARP weapons are an essential aspect of the live-action role-playing experience, adding depth and realism while emphasizing safety and creativity. They also serve as realistic props, adding authentic flair to a costume. They embody the balance between fantasy and reality that defines LARPing. As the hobby continues to evolve, so will the weapons that bring stories and characters to life, fostering both community and creativity. For participants and enthusiasts, LARP weapons are more than props and tools—they're bridges to new worlds and experiences.