Princess Mononoke’s Dagger and Wig
The Wig
I ordered the wig I used for Mononoke from Arda Wigs. I have purchased several wigs from them, and have always been happy with the product I received. They’re a safe place to shop, in my opinion.
I went with the Greta style in Spanish Brown. That color was what I thought would look best with the rest of my costume, but Mononoke could easily go a few shades lighter or darker.
The wig came curly at the ends, so I soaked it in warm water for a while then blew it dry. Once it was straight I styled it. Mononoke’s a wolf girl, so I made the cuts a little rough.
Honestly, the wig was so pretty I almost didn’t want to straighten it. Then I liked it so much straight that I didn’t want to cut it. But Mononoke’s a wolf girl. She can’t have manicured hair. Haha
The top left is the wig as it came.
Bottom left is the wig after it had soaked in warm water and straightened.
And the right is after I cut it.
What it looked like with the headband.
Finished!
The Dagger
This is the one element I didn’t make myself. My brother did. He has access to a wood shop. ;)
Our original plan was to make the dagger out of metal, but not only would it have been more expensive and time consuming, but it would be much heavier. And more dangerous.
He outlined the blade potion on the wood first.
Then he cut it out.
I can only imagine that creating the hole for the dowel (grip) was a bit of a challenge.
Not to mention creating the angles of the blade.
He then tapered the flats to form the edges of the blade. And added some nicks for wolf girl battle effects. ;)
As well as the two triangles at the blade’s base. It looks distinctly Mononoke now. :D
The dowel was inserted and attached for the grip.
Then the painting began. 
The red triangles were first.
He taped the grip while he painted the blade an…eggshell color. Not quite white.
And he added some blood spatters, because he knew I was taking knives and fire to my costume and wanted the blade to match. Ha…ha…
Here it is, hanging to dry in all its glory.
The final touches were putting on a sealant and wrapping the grip in leather.
The final product!
He did a beautiful job. :)
Also in this series:
The Base: Mononoke’s Dress and Apron
The Accessories: Mononoke’s Headband, Armbands, Necklace, Earrings, and Face Paint
Mononoke Wrap Up: Final Weathering and Other Extras
Photos of Mononoke
If there is anything in particular you would like added to these posts, let me know!
Just B. Jordan is an award-winning author of fantasy and sci-fi. She graduated high school a year early and received her first publishing contract at the age of 18. To Ashes We Run is her most recent novel. Find it here.
Megan Sebesta
Amazing cosplay! I have referenced your blog it a lot in the process of making my own san cosplay and it’s been a huge help. Would really love to see your final weathering guide!
Just B. Jordan
Somehow I only just saw this comment! So sorry! :P I’ll plan on getting that weathering guide up soon, though it’s probably way too late to be helpful to you. (It basically uses a lot of knives, acrylic paint, and fire. Haha.) I’m glad the rest of these posts were helpful to you though!!
Jordan