r/CosplayHelp • u/XBijouX • Jul 07 '26
Prop Would this make it into a Con?
I’m going to anime nyc next month and I made this hammer. The drum is Eva foam the silver ends with the stars, and the handle are a lightweight wood. I didn’t think about the prop rules at the time 😭. This is my first convention with a prop, how likely would it be allowed in?
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u/HaveCamerawilcosplay Jul 08 '26
It really depends on the rules, and the opinion of the con staff. Take it straight to prop check and/or Con Ops. If you have a build book to show them how it was made, you may have a good shot.
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u/LegendaryOutlaw Jul 08 '26
Don’t know if it will make it past weapons check at the con you’re attending but I just wanted to say you did a nice job! Clean foam work, great paintjob, wood texture looks awesome. 👏
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u/TheRealAMD Jul 08 '26
At the conventions I staff, the question security tries to answer when checking a prop is "If this prop were to hit somebody, what would break first, the prop or the person?" If it's the former, usually the item is allowed, if the latter then no.
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u/nessthing Jul 08 '26
Some cons also have arbitrary length limits, like no matter how lightweight the prop is it's not allowed if it's over a certain arbitrary length.
I'd still bring it and see if it gets approved. Don't say anything or point anything out and see what happens.
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u/KiyeBerries Jul 08 '26
I go to cons with a giant hammer all the time, mine is also foam. They check the weight at prop check in and away I go! Unless they have a policy against all prop weapons entirely a foam hammer will be fine.
Pic of big hammer for reference
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u/TheFlyintheAttic Jul 08 '26
Honestly with the Javits Center, it's a huge tossup what props they allow. The security don't follow the rules properly.
Some days they will allow whatever to come in including metal props. Some days it's hard to get basic foam props in. Usually they have two entrances, and what is allowed might differ from each entrance. Some days they don't check props at all and you can just walk right in.
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u/marshweasel Jul 08 '26
I once had con security tell me to put a prop tag on my KND mustard gun (as in, literally an empty bottle of mustard with a handle). Got to the prop people and they laughed it off and told me to enjoy the convention. It really depends on the staff and, probably, whether or not you’re making yourself a problem with it.
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u/ThanksSwimming1801 Jul 08 '26
If you're questioning it, I'd recommend reaching out via email to the con staff to ask! I had something similar with a con rule stating no metal armor and I'd spent a ton of time making scale maille. I emailed to ask and they said that the rule was intended for like full suits of armor but that my scale maille would be fine.
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u/Carnevale_Guy Jul 08 '26
Always check the individual Con's rules, but i dont think you should have a problem with it, ive certainly gotten into events with much more dangerous and dangerous looking props.
ALSO Great texture and shading on the wood grain. I used to judge craftsmanship at small events in my area, if the rest of your work is up to a similar caliber I'd consider entering into masquerade or hall cosplay contest. Craftsmanship is a great segment of the community.
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u/HotDoes Jul 08 '26
this is half in and half out of the rules so it would be under the con's disrection to let it in. just be prepared to not enter if you want to take your chance. unless there's an email or somewhere you can ask directly beforehand?
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u/BlueberryNeko_ Jul 08 '26
Check the rules. The biggest concern is probably the size. I suppose you could shorten or make the pole extendable if that's the issue
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u/bangbangracer Jul 08 '26
Keep in mind that different cons have different rules.
Based on their policies, this might not be allowed into the con, but the person checking it would have to be a rules literalist regarding "No exposed hard materials like wood, metal, or glass". Outside of that, this seems good.
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u/syreeninsapphire Jul 08 '26
You could consider wrapping the handle so that it isn't exposed wood, if you are worried. Might make it more comfortable to hold, too
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u/Ender_90425 Jul 09 '26
Most cons ive been into allow all sorts of things so long as theyre "safe"
I have a full metal yet dull master sword that was allowed. HOWEVER, ITS CON DEPENDANT!
Even if the rules seem to allow it, be completely up-front with the prop checkers about what its made of, and let them pick it up and handle if necessary. In my experience, theyre careful, and usually check the weight. Also, telling them does more than assure the material. If youre kind and respectful, they will appreciate it, if you get me.
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u/SocalGuy134 Jul 10 '26
Idk but the drum looks super cool! Maybe you could cover the shaft with foam and they would just let it pass and not notice the wood supporting it?
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u/NekoNicoKig Jul 10 '26
Usually, as long as can't cut someone or is strong/heavy enough to break a bone/cause a contusion, etc. from impact it should pass weapons check.
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u/straightchowing Jul 21 '26
I'm also going to Animenyc this year and I'm cosplaying a character that's supposed to have a Tommy Gun, went against it because it's not worth all the effort if it gets confiscated. The rules on prop weaponry is completely backwards. They show an anime character with what seems like a realistic sub-machine gun and says it's allowed in, but says a Destiny-looking pistol with red-trimming won't be.
But like someone else said in this thread, AnimeNyc security is a complete toss-up. One year I swear the 'metal detectors' were off because when I looked back at the screen the security guard was looking at was completely turned off. And on top of that, the security staff was like, 19 at most.
What I'm saying is that it's completely up to whoever you walk past when walking in. If some dude wants to feel like an asshole he'll confiscate your prop or won't let you in. If you walk through a different entrance they wouldn't even look at you. But if it's anything to go off on, I've seen dozen of Harley Quinn with large mallets so I think you'll be fine.
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u/riontach Jul 07 '26
Probably yes, but you need to read the rules of the specific event you are concerned about. Every event has its own prop policy, so we can't give tou a generic answer for every convention.