Aging Props

Tod Cutler is a craftsman that specializes in reproducing historical weapons and hardware.  There's a good chance you've seen his work in films and television shows like Outlaw King and The Witcher.  His latest video is a look at what goes into aging and weathering his work.  That includes everything from using chemical solutions to pit metal to wearing down leather with a concrete block.

What really stands out are his comments about layering damage and wear.  For most of the video I genuinely thought he was out of his mind.  The weathering looks horrible, but by the time he's done, exactly as he predicted, the process all comes together.

If you're currently in quarantine I'll presumptively accept your thanks for linking to Mr. Cutler's YouTube channel.  You'll find hours and hours of interesting material covering the construction of historical weapons, their usage, and minutia like the relationship between bolt length and crossbow accuracy.