Recommended Free Tools
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
Free scan · exact hardware match
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Free scan · no reinstall
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Free scan · under a minute
ThatPainter is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More
In 2019, reports introduced Crafty Transformer, a Japanese cardboard maker whose elaborate replicas turned leftover shipping boxes into props inspired by video games, anime, manga and films. The standout builds included a Monster Hunter greatsword with retractable blades and a heavy bowgun that could fold—clever mechanical details, not evidence of real-world weapon function.
Who is Crafty Transformer?
Tech Times profiled the creator on September 1, 2019, under the name Crafty Transformer. Republic World also referred to the maker as Tsukuru-San, but the coverage does not establish a verified personal or legal identity. The reports describe a maker focused on converting discarded shipping cardboard into recognizable pop-culture props.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsThe projects were not limited to one game or franchise. Tech Times listed builds inspired by Monster Hunter, Naruto, Gundam, Pacific Rim, Sekiro, Kill la Kill and Bleach. The range is part of the appeal: familiar silhouettes and moving parts emerge from a material usually treated as packaging.
#1 Best Overall
- [DIMENSIONS] Overall Length: 39.5" Blade Length: 28.5" Hilt Length: 11” Weight: 1.5 lb
- [MATERIALS] The Adeptus Mechanicus has seen fit to forge you a noble weapon of sturdy plastic and durable foam
- [CONVENTIONS] As a son of Guilliman, you are duty-bound to destroy the enemies of the Imperium at cons, expos, fairs, and other gatherings
- [FOR THE EMPEROR] This faithful replica is easy to wield and will give you the power of the primarch himself
- [QUALITY] All our products are made of the finest materials, and are packaged securely and safely in our own warehouse
How the cardboard replicas move
Monster Hunter greatsword
Tech Times described a greatsword assembled from cut cardboard pieces taped together. Its report says the prop had five retractable blades operated by a lever in the handle. The article estimated its length at about 2.5 metres (8.2 feet) and its weight at 5 kilograms (11 pounds), based on specifications attributed to the maker; those figures were not independently measured by the publication.
Monster Hunter heavy bowgun
The heavy bowgun presented a different design challenge: keeping a foldable form while accommodating the prop’s body and stock. Tech Times reported that the creator separated those components to preserve the folding movement and used a magnet to help hold the bowgun in its folded position. This is a description of the reported design, not a tested construction specification.
Rank #2
- Fantasy Aesthetic: Features a beautifully stylized design inspired by legendary blades of light and shadow, perfect for fans of tactical fantasy RPGs, noble kingdoms, and heroic sagas.
- Premium Polyurethane Foam Construction: Molded entirely from high-density, durable PU foam that offers excellent structural integrity while remaining flexible, smooth to the touch, and completely non-functional.
- Lightweight & Convention Safe: Weighing only a fraction of a real blade, this prop allows for comfortable, fatigue-free carrying all day long at comic-cons, expos, and festivals without violating weapon safety policies.
- The Ultimate Collector's Gift: An incredible holiday or birthday surprise for fantasy gamers, cosplay enthusiasts, and sword collectors; a standout piece for any Christmas morning.
- AGES 16 AND UP: Designed for teens and adults aged 16 and older, these detailed props are great for cosplay events, conventions, and themed parties.
These movements are prop mechanisms. The coverage does not establish that the builds function as weapons, nor does it provide controlled comparisons of strength, durability or safety.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallWhat the 2019 audience figures mean
Several reports recorded sizable audiences, but their numbers are historical publication snapshots rather than current or independently audited platform metrics.
Rank #3
- Foam Material：Made of foam material, lightweight and easy to carry, ideal for cosplay weapon prop, costume accessories and LARP use
- Realistic Replica：Replica design with detailed texture and shape, perfect for movie style prop, photography prop and display prop
- Multi Scene Use：Great for Halloween costume, cosplay accessories, themed party, role play, stage prop, photo shooting and event decoration
| Publication and date | Reported figure | What it describes |
|---|---|---|
| Tech Times, September 1, 2019 | More than 154,000 followers and over 16 million total views | Channel figures reported at the time; the article said the channel launched in June 2017. |
| Republic World, updated September 3, 2019 | 157,940 subscribers and more than 16 million views | Figures reported in that article at its publication time. |
| The Indian Express, September 2019 | 7 million views | Views reported for a viral Twitter compilation. |
The counts come from different outlets and describe different metrics, so they should not be combined into a single current audience figure.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Can you make a similar cardboard prop?
The reports suggest a simple core approach—cut cardboard components and tape them together—but the mechanisms in the featured builds make them more involved than a basic cardboard cutout. Tech Times’ descriptions are not a complete, independently tested pattern or build guide. A separate feature reported that templates and step-by-step guidance had appeared in video descriptions, but their current availability has not been verified.
Rank #4
- Cardboard Cutout
- TOP QUALITY CUTOUTS ; Are printed using nothing but the best materials and printing methods to make them look real
- LIFE SIZE CARDBOARD CUTOUT ; Be surprised by the celebrity cutout life size in a high definition print ; Arrived in your dining room living room or entrance area to make a lot of fun ; Proudly manufactured in the USA ; professionally designed and printed this lifesize cutout will be a huge hit to any birthday or graduation party
- NO WRINKLES ON ARRIVAL; We make sure to get your life size standee photo print in a perfect condition as we make sure to safely pack the cardboard cutout; Easy to assemble and can be used multiple times.
For a beginner, treat the work as a craft project rather than a precise reconstruction of either Monster Hunter prop. Start with a nonfunctional decorative design and plan how its pieces will fit before adding moving sections. A general beginner’s supply list might include cardboard, tape, a ruler, and a craft knife; that is practical general guidance, not a confirmed inventory of the creator’s tools.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
- Keep the design manageable: A static silhouette avoids the extra alignment and attachment work required by retracting or folding parts.
- Plan moving sections separately: The reported greatsword uses a handle lever for retractable blades, while the bowgun separates its body and stock and uses a magnet to hold it folded.
- Use cutting tools carefully: Cut on a protected surface, keep hands clear of the blade path and follow the tool’s safety instructions.
- Check access before relying on a template: Tutorials or downloads mentioned in older coverage may no longer be available.
The reuse of shipping boxes is a visible part of the project, but the reports do not measure how much material was diverted from waste or establish a quantified environmental benefit.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Video game party supplies include 16pcs game on party photo booth props, with a large quantity that can have various interesting combinations to meet your shooting and decoration needs, providing everything you need to set the stage for a memorable and fun-filled celebration
- Gaming Theme Birthdays Party Photo Booth Props are made of high-quality paper materials, with a smooth surface, thick and durable without any odor. They are made of solid wooden sticks that are not easy to break
- Blue Video Game Photo Booth Props features designs inspired by video games, making it ideal for gamers of all ages and enthusiasts. It has everything you need to host a video game-themed birthday party or event, making it a hot topic among video game fanatics. Create a dreamy and immersive gaming atmosphere for your party
- Game Theme Party Decorations photo props come with wooden sticks and tape. Simply stick the cardboard onto the sticks and secure them with tape to create sturdy Christmas party decorations. With simple operation, assemble according to your preferences, allowing for pleasant interaction and participation among guests or family and friends
- Video Game Party Supplies is perfect for video game theme party, gamer theme party, gamepad game on theme party, baby shower theme party, kids boys girls birthday party honeycomb table centerpieces decorations, they can make your party more attractive and interesting，you can also apply them for creative table decorations, photo booth props and so on
Sources
- Tech Times, September 1, 2019
- The Indian Express, September 2019
- Republic World, updated September 3, 2019
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
