Company makes weaponry for medieval fighting game

SIDNEY, Ill. -- Not all weapons makers are huge conglomerates like Smith & Wesson or General Dynamics.

Some supply an entirely different market -- and build their weapons in rural Champaign County.

Edhellen Armoury, hidden in plain sight on a farm near Sidney, supplies weapons for fantasy medieval combat, or "foam fighting," as it is also known.

The business manufactures swords, spears, javelins, axes and flails -- all covered in flexible foam to soften the blows. Edhellen also supplies foam-covered shields and leather armor for warding off some of the effects of the blows, while adding an aura of authenticity.

"Edhellen" is pronounced "Ethellen" and means "elven" in J.R.R. Tolkienese. The "Lord of the Rings" movie trilogy has increased interest in the foam-fighting sport, and increased sales for Edhellen, according to founder Gregg Larson.

The sport began in 1978; and Larson has been a participant since 1986. He saw his niche and opened his business three years ago.

Originally, Larson said, all the foam fighters made their own weapons, but that limited the growth of the sport.

"Imagine if you were introduced to golf or tennis, but then you were told you had to make your own clubs or racquet. That might keep you from even getting started in the sport," he said.

So Larson set out to make it easy to participate. A basic set-up of sword and shield costs around $70, while a total outfit with full leather armor and several weapons might cost up to $500.

The Armoury has one full-time employee and several part-time employees, along with Larson, his wife, Chris, and other family members.

About 60 percent of sales are made in person, at medievalist events and game conventions attended by the Larsons throughout the year. A medievalist event might bring in several thousand dollars in sales, and much more than that can move during large hobby gaming conventions, such as Gen Con Southern California.

Sales are made not only to medievalists, but to martial artists looking for relatively safe practice weapons. In addition to its stock weapons, Edhellen will also create custom weapons, armor and shields to order.

The other 40 percent of sales come via the Internet. The Edhellen Web site, www.edhellen. com, recently underwent a major upgrade, with full e-commerce capability, Larson said.

There is a built-in base of repeat customers, as well. Even the best foam-covered swords wear out and need to be replaced after about a year of bashing and hewing.

"I opened this business as kind of a test, to learn how to run a business," Larson said. "My goal, within five years, is to open a full-time Renaissance Fair in the East Central Illinois area."

Such a fair would feature re-enactments of medieval combat, jousting and actors in character and period garb.

Larson envisions a castle and other buildings, with regular battles scheduled, along with merchant areas.

Larson, who is a civil engineer in his full-time job, said he will do some of the work himself. He also plans to hire Amish craftsmen to help build the castle and fortifications.