Allow me to begin by stating that I choose to make Yuki-chan this way, that I wanted her to be unique, in hopes that these changes/alterations would make her stand out from all the other Sode‘s out there. Also, that I had some help with finishing her…my best friend/little sister, Chibigal4 ( [link]) made the Ice Princess’ ribbon and did her bead work. (Thanks again, sis!)

*claps together* Now, without further ado, may I present to yinz the eighth and final Zanpakuto in my “Bleach Batch” (swords which were specifically made for Tekkoshocon VII)…Sode no Shirayuki *shikai*. ^_^



Stats:
Blade Length: 30 in.
Handle Length: 10 in.
Ribbon Length: 35 in.
Total Length (without ribbon): 40 in.


Blade: 1 wooden rod, with a balsa wood tip, sandwiched between 2 pieces of thick cardboard (cardboard was applied with heavy duty spray glue). The blade was then covered with white duct and medical tape (“slant illusion technique” was applied to give it a two-toned look).



Tsuba: I went about making Sode’s tsuba totally different from the fashion that many people are accustomed to; the base is made from 2 pieces of white extra thick (3mm) fun foam (held together with krazy glue). And, instead of cutting into the base to create the “design”, I choose to print it out on photo paper and then used krazy glue to apply the pattern to either side of the base. Finally, the entire tsuba was painted white.

Thanks goes out to…

Amarantia ([link]) for giving me the idea how to make a tsuba.

and…

Chioky ([link]) for his Zanpakuto Tsuba Designs ([link])



Cap: Crafted from white self adhesive (2mm) fun foam, then painted white for finishing.



Hilt: Wrapped with white duct tape first for the base and then white electric tape. Thanks goes out to…

Chioky ([link]) for his Swordmaking Guide: Part 4 ([link])


“Shikai”: Silver picture wire was wrapped around the blade and snow flecks (made from white duct tape) were added to give the appearance that Yuki-chan was really “dancing” As for her infamous ribbon and bead work, that was all done my best friend/little sister, Chibigal4 ([link])…so all questions at that subject should be directed to her. XD




*Note: Sode no Shirayuki (Sleeve of White Snow), wielded by Rukia Kuchiki (Member of 13th Division); an ice-element Zanpakuto that is pure white, said to be the most beautiful sword in all of the Soul Society. “Dance, Sode no Shirayuki.”


*My Other Zanpakutos*
Sogyo no Kotowari *shikai* (complete): [link]
Nejibana *shikai* (complete): [link]
Senbonzakura *shikai* (complete): [link]
Zabimaru *shikai* (complete): [link]
Hyorinmaru *shikai* (complete): [link]
Zangetsu *unreleased* (complete): [link]
Haineko *shikai* (complete): [link]