There are different rule sets with different requirements for look and safety. I play Amtgard which has safety requirements like "tips and pommels may not pass more than half an inch through a 2-inch hole" so many of the realistic looking weapons would be illegal where I play. Also I have made all my weapons from pool noodle, tape, golf club shaft, and cloth covers. I have used plastidip LARP swords before when we had a visitor from another game, but have not tried to make/purchase one for my own use. In all honesty I play the game because I like hitting people with sticks not roll playing.