Japanese Chainlink Nunchaku

To clarify: The nunchaku are of a vaguely Japanese style, having a loosely octagonal shape. The decoration is of an ancient Egyptian style. Here, though, I've swapped my traditional gold/blue for gold/black. It gives a more..."classy" feel, I think.

The eyes of Horus are only painted on the side shown. Really, my signature symbol thing should be related to Amon, but the eye of Horus is readily recognised and Amon is included in my username, so it's all good.

Possibly I should paint ankhs on the other side, to keep it balanced, no? Though it seems strange to include the symbol of life on a weapon.

Speaking of which, this is probably the heaviest, most practical pair of nunchucks that I've made. It lacks the reach and striking power of "Yin" (check back in my gallery), but makes up for that with the fact that these are properly balanced.

It turns out that the heavier chainlink (roundmaille attached to two eyelets screwed into the endgrain of the wood- the last of the three terminal links is fixed to both eyelets with smaller links) does take weight away from the striking ends, but gives an interesting level of control/power. I don't know specifically how good that is compared to professionally produced nunchaku, though I'm certain it's different. Normally the weight is greatest at the striking ends, while the centre of gravity of these is DEAD CENTRE. The wood weighs barely anything compared to that chain.

These took just a single day to make (including buying eyelets, waiting for paint drying, preparing the wood etc.), and I'm really happy with the result. I need more black spraypant, though- the coat got a little thin in places, but the empty can really reduces the size of the spray- excellent for control (I still had to tape over the chain to keep it clean).

I really, really, really wish I could sell nunchucks- I'm sure they would fetch a good price, but sadly, I'm 99% certain that would be illegal. Besides- I wouldn't want to do this JUST for money.

I absolutely adore that (acrylic) gold paint- it's got a really nice shine to it, and this photo just doesn't do it justice (but it's accurate with everything else). I got the paint from Games Workshop- that's the place that sells "Warhammer," so it turns up everywhere. If you want the paint, it's called "Shining Gold." It's not cheap, but then you don't have to buy very much, so I think it evens out pretty well.

These should be pretty durable, though I desperately wish I could find/afford better materials. I don't like to give the impression that I'm not happy with (very) basic components, but they're only good up to a point.

I think I'm doing well with what I've got, but it's like the difference between finger paint and oil paint. Some of the wood I use has honestly been hacked out of old packing crates. The wire I can get hold of doesn't state what it's made of, its thickness, or how it's been treated. I have a limited range of tools, too- a penknife, wire cutters, and some pliers. Others, however, I can borrow.

Then again, is this a contributing factor for crafts as art? The story behind it, the idea as a whole. To some extent, simple tools/materials are good because they show:

Anybody can do this if they put their mind to it.
Craftsmanship is worth far more than tools.

Thinking about it- would anybody care to try making something like this?

You may have noticed by now, I leave long, rambling descriptions. Just don't forget about the work when you comment!