Mempo

Silence. Perfect silence.

You use the silence as a cloak of armour, masked in the darkness with the help of your Mempo, waiting for the perfect opportunity. You ready your throwing knives, ready to launch your deadly attack when the lord finally emerges from inside the keep. One quick flick of your wrist and the lord breathes his last, you knife hitting its mark...and you vanish, leaving their guards bewildered and afraid.

DETAILS

Epic Armoury’s Mempo is a leather half-mask inspired by early Asian soldiers. This mask protects the face from the bridge of the nose to the chin. Four ventilation slits allow proper airflow through the mask’s mouth, designed to be comfortably worn for long periods of time. Secure the mask to your face by tying two long cotton-weave cords around the head.

Made from 3mm thick vegetable-tanned full-grain leather, Epic Armoury’s Mempo is designed to add a great layer to your fantasy or historic costume. With the best quality materials, this mask is built to withstand extensive abuse with regular leather care.

HISTORY

• Worn by Japanese and Chinese infantry and cavalry from as early as 200 BC
• Used to balance and secure top-heavy helmets, often decorated to give the wearer an extra fierce look

Your Naginata was handed to you by your master, many years ago. It was a bittersweet moment for you, because while it meant you overcome all obstacles in your training, it also meant it was time to set out on your own.

You find the soft leather along the handle comforting, your hand finding its usual well-worn grip. You look beyond the campfire where a fresh fish now cooks, sizzling in the heat, looking to the flickering shadows along the treeline. You have the sense that tonight you and your spear may once again be tested as you hear the unmistakable snap of a twig, your grip tightening in anticipation.

DETAILS

Epic Armoury’s Spear Naginata is a 180 cm latex polearm inspired by the samurai of traditional Japan. The Spear Naginata’s 60 cm single-edged blade is attached to a split-leather wrapped pole, allowing you to stab, slash, and parry with alacrity. A large oval crossguard adds to the Asian design, along with a matching pommel handpainted to look like metal.

Made from durable closed cell foam around a fibreglass core and finished with a strong latex coating, you can feel confident that your LARP weapon will provide the safety and appeal you want when crafting your Asian-inspired kit.

Available in Gold, Silver, and Copper.

HISTORY

• A form of the spear has been used for hunting for at least 400,000 years
• Spears were the most common form of weaponry during the Stone Age, and remained popular until firearms were introduced
• This particular design is similar to a naginata, a Japanese weapon that included a single-edged blade attached to the end of a pole

Your Nodachi was handed to you by your master, many years ago. It had been a bittersweet moment for you, because while it meant you had overcome all obstacles in your training, it also meant that it was time to set out on your own.

You find the handle comforting, your hand finding its usual well-worn grip. As a traveling samurai--a ronin--your sword is your only consistent companion.

You look beyond the campfire where a fresh fish now cooks, sizzling in the heat, looking to the flickering shadows along the treeline. You have the sense that tonight you and your sword may once again be tested as you hear the unmistakable snap of a twig, your grip on its handle tightening in anticipation.

DETAILS

Epic Armoury’s Nodachi  is a latex-hybrid sword featuring a distinctive Asian appearance with a squared guard. The sword is 140 cm long from tip to pommel, with a 105 cm slender, single-edged blade. The long detailed handle accommodates two hands and a firm, comfortable grip while on the battlefield. The handle is 24 cm long, cast and painted to look like fabric bound in a diamond patterned menuki-style.

Whether you are an honorable samurai or sneaky ninja, this Nodachi is our highest quality gear due to its impressive durability and detail. The blade is made from closed cell foam around a fibreglass core and finished with a strong latex coating, while the handle is a polyurethane foam cast that allows for greater detail and no maintenance. This hybrid model sword will make you confident in the safety and appeal of your weapon on the battlefield.

HISTORY

• Nodachi means “field sword” in Japanese
• Required extensive training to be used correctly
• Considered a symbol of skill and status, made to look dangerous in the hands of elite troops
• Typically used for ceremonies, duelling and calvarymen due to its long blade size

Discontinued 2016

DISCONTINUED IN 2019 - Still available to order but some colours/sizes may not be available. Check with us before ordering if not showing as currently in stock.

Silence. Perfect silence.

You use the silence as a cloak of armour, masked in the darkness and waiting for danger to show itself. You ready your sword, prepared to launch your deadly attack should your Lord’s assassins appear. One quick slice and they will breathe their last, you sword hitting its mark and your Kimono becoming soaked in their dark red blood. When you vanish once more, you’ll leave any of their allies bewildered and afraid.

DETAILS

Epic Armoury’s Dark Red Kimono is a traditional Japanese T-shaped robe with ¾ length sleeves made from heavy red cotton and a reinforced collar. Reaching from the shoulders to the upper thighs, this garment is a great base to an Ancestral costume. The Kimono is worn by tying the left over the right side, securing its cotton straps located on the inside and outside of the waist. The sleeves hang loose just above the wrists, leaving the hands free and allowing the greatest possible freedom of action.

Fully compatible with Epic Armoury's other Asian styles, the Kimono is a great basis for almost any samurai-inspired character you wish to make - be it honourable warrior or dishonoured thief.

HISTORY

• A traditional Japanese garment since the 8th century
• Resembles a kosode, which is a shorter sleeved kimono worn with a hakama
• Traditionally secured with a sash tied at the back called an obi
• Always traditionally tied with the left over the right side, except when dressing the dead

Your Long Yari was handed to you by your master many years ago. It was a bittersweet moment for you, because while it meant you overcame all obstacles in your training, it also meant it was time to set out on your own.

You find the handle comforting, your hand finding its usual well-worn grip. You look beyond the campfire where a fresh fish now cooks, sizzling in the heat, looking to the flickering shadows along the treeline. You have the sense that tonight you and your spear may once again be tested as you hear the unmistakable snap of a twig, your grip tightening in anticipation.

DETAILS

Epic Armoury’s Long Yari is an incredible 255 cm latex polearm inspired by the weapon that served as the backbone of feudal Japan’s infantry. Over half a meter taller than its regular Yari cousin, this Long Yari version will provide more reach on the battlefield than ever before. This spear is handpainted and sculpted, and the finished result is a beautiful weapon with a long double-edged spearhead. A short golden ricasso attaches the spearhead to a black-lacquered and gold trimmed pole inspired by Asian design.

Made from durable closed cell foam around a fibreglass core and finished with a strong latex coating, you can feel confident that your LARP weapon will provide the safety and appeal you want when crafting your kit.

This extended version of the classic Yari can be transported in two pieces. When deconstructed, it is approx. 140cm long and combines together to reach the full 255 cm length.

Please be sure to check your games equipment size rules prior to purchase as some LARP groups restrict the use of oversized LARP weapons.

Legend

Black Tiger Presents Claws... I could feel every fiber of my body, aching under the grueling training session our Master zealously supervised since dawn. White Crane Flaps Wings... I focused on the flow of Qi, inside and outside of me. Dragon and Tiger Appear... Another breath in. Guarding the Wah Yoong Gate... The sequence of moves came naturally to my limbs, now. Yet I aimed for perfection and kept asking the best of my abilities. Fierce Tiger Descends Mountain... I slashed the air, feeling the full weight of my Polearm. Phoenix Dots Head... and thrust! Dark Dragon Wags Tail... One more push. Jade Belt Circles Waist... I whip the blade around me one last time, and steady I stand. Flowing Breeze Swaying Willows... Finally!

“One more time,” the Master said.

Workshop

Whether you think of it as a Sovnya from late Medieval Russia or as the legendary chinese general Guan Yu’s incredible Guan Dao, the hammered scimitar style blade mounted on a wood looking staff stands out. Cinched between the blade and its haft, the tsuba Dragon* included is removable. Cast in our Calimacil foam, this safe and durable LARP polearm will impress for many years to come.

Character

Allowing offensive and defensive combat to flow easily from one to the other, the Pole Arm Scimitar will meet the needs of foot soldiers, weapon masters, military generals, and warrior monks alike.

* Additional Tsubas are available

Founded in 2004 in the cold windswept plains of the eastern Canada, Calimacil set out from its inception to become a world-class supplier of high-end LARP and historical re-enactment foam weapons. Our lavishly decorated designs are inspired by the martial lore of history, legends and stories taken directly from the dreamscapes of heroic fantasy. Our products are manufactured by an eager band of artisans made of passionate LARP players, martial arts practitioners and hardcore gamers. Playing is a fundamental part of the company's ethos as it focuses our creative energies and drives us to create new exciting weapons models. best foam weapon to play with.

継続は力なり

Perserverance is also a power.

Steeped in Tradition

Epic Armoury’s Rugged Tanto is a 55 cm LARP dagger inspired by the weapons of feudal Japan. Its 37 cm straight blade has a single-edge, shaped to slash or pierce with perfection. The tanto is meant to be paired with a katana or wakizashi, and serves as a backup weapon in close quarters.

This Rugged Tanto is made of soft EVA foam and is coated in a thick layer of protective latex. Each dagger is hand painted, decorated to look like steel and textured brass without the danger of wielding a real sharpened blade. This particular product features a rectangular crossguard that protects the 15 cm ergonomic grip wrapped in a leather cord. The pommel is sculpted as a flexible ring, ideal for attaching small trophies or ribbon to match your house colours. The leather cord continues up the blade to create a short ricasso.

Special care has been taken to ensure our LARP weapons are safe. This Rugged Tanto was constructed around a solid fibreglass rod core and a flexible kevlar tip to prevent punctures. It’s latex finish require some maintenance to maximize its use and your wellbeing.

Dating Back to the Heian Period

• Traditionally used by samurai of feudal Japan
• Designed to be drawn from the sheath quickly
• Paired with a katana or wakizashi by samurai to display social power and personal honor
• A smaller version of this knife would be used by women, hidden in their obi for self-defense

THE PERFECT BALANCE BETWEEN COURAGE AND RESPECT OF LIFE

Whether you are a common thief or an honourable Samurai, Epic Armoury's Beruto is the belt for your complete LARP outfit. This light belt is made from two connected, black leather pieces fastened to an underlayer of black, textured cotton. The back features a spacer to give an extra option for customization and perfect fit and is locked in place at the front by a rounded brass belt buckle with a Samurai inspired pattern. Fully compatible with Epic Armoury's other Asian styled fighter clothes, the Beruto is a great basis for almost any warrior-inspired LARP character you wish to make.

Purchase 10+ for your warband and receive 20% off!

Customisable face masks to comply with Victorian COVIDsafe requirements and meet the rigous of the frenetic action of a contact sport.

Covid19 is going to be here for a while, so why continue wasting money and damaging the environment when you can instead have a more comfortable facemask that shows your warband affiliation off to the world.
Better for your wallet and better for the environment, our custom face masks are a machine washable item that you don't just throw out at the end of the day.

This is a three layered item.
The outer layer is of moisture and heat wicking, anti-bacterial treated fabric that can be custom printed however you would like.
A middle layer of fusing to keep shape whilst breathing and talking, as well as providing a strong barrier to prevent moisture escaping.
Lastly the inner layer is designed for comfort to prevent abbrasion to the face and draw moisture away from the mouth and nose.
This is all held in place with a velcro strap, to be tied behind the head between the ears, prevents the mask from coming loose in even the most fast paced of games.

Availability in four sizes means that you won't have to worry about whether or not the one-size-fits-all approach of other brands is going to leave you and those playing around you without adequate protection.
As a rough guide your head circumference:
S - 54cm
M - 57cm
L - 60cm
XL - 63cm

For Custom Designs:

1. Get in touch with us and let us know.
2. Download attached Mask Template file
3. Choose black or white lining and velcro tie
4. Place your logo or imagery on the template as best you can
5. Email us the image file (.AI or .PDF files only) and template file with positioning and colour
6. Wait for masks to arrive!

Legend

Under the early morning sun, Tomoe’s forehead was already beaded with sweat. With several other onna-bugeisha, she trained into first light before attending to her chores. Fathers frowned and mothers whispered often of late; war was coming. Soon, the banners would be lifted and she and her sisters in arms will not be left behind when their brothers set out for battle. The first of many, if she had any say. She was still young but had vowed long ago that hers would be a meaningful life; she intended to leave an indelible mark on this world.

Workshop

The Naginata, whose name means “reaping” or “mowing down”, is noticeable for its sleek design and realistic appearance. Cinched between blade and haft, the Naginata is equipped with a removable tsuba Dragon*. Cast in our Calimacil foam, this safe and durable LARP polearm will impress for many years to come.

Character

Boasting a length that allows for cutting down opponents with its superior reach, the Naginata is both simple yet unmistakable. A weapon prized by those who led samurai and used alongside the sword and the bow, this versatile weapon is the perfect addition for those who are bound for war

* Additional tsubas are available in the Tsubas & Guards section.

Note: this Naginata is 225cm long, meaning it is too long for use at many LARP groups. This is usually ordered in by special request only given it's length and the limited courier shipping options for items exceeding 2 metres.

Founded in 2004 in the cold windswept plains of the eastern Canada, Calimacil set out from its inception to become a world-class supplier of high-end LARP and historical re-enactment foam weapons. Our lavishly decorated designs are inspired by the martial lore of history, legends and stories taken directly from the dreamscapes of heroic fantasy. Our products are manufactured by an eager band of artisans made of passionate LARP players, martial arts practitioners and hardcore gamers. Playing is a fundamental part of the company's ethos as it focuses our creative energies and drives us to create new exciting weapons models. best foam weapon to play with.

As the last snow fell to the ground, our warrior took a deep breath. His meditation had once again been filled with dark thoughts and he hadn't been able to find peace… yet. He released a long sigh and watched the steam escape from his body in contact with the cold. As the village woke up, he too, would get to work. He hadn't always been welcomed, let alone considered a samurai. But he had known, with time and devotion, to prove his worth. Slowly unfolding his legs from his seiza, he took his Japanese katana that he had placed in front of him and put it back in its sheath. It was with astonishment that he had learned on his arrival that the word Samurai means "one who serves" and although he had long been their prisoner of war, living among such different people had taught him more than through his twenty years in service to the king. Treated at first as an inconvenient guest, however, he had never received so much hatred and contempt as in his former life. His katana grew heavier for a breath… His old life. The warrior smiled slightly and shrugged, as if to convince himself that he was no longer attached to that past. He was now a Samurai, devoted to the perfection of his art and perhaps, one day, he would even find his peace.

The katana is a Japanese thrusting sword whose cutting edge is also used. It is a lethal weapon but also a work of art representing the soul of the samurai who wears it. This latex weapon will be the centerpiece of a Japanese-inspired character and will command respect whether you're a proud samurai or a fallen Ronin

As with all of our Athena products, this model includes:

• A soft and robust reinforced point designed for the estoc;
• A solid structure ready to parry
• A counterweight in the handle for unparalleled maneuverability;
• A 2 year warranty 
• LATEX-FREE and waterproof varnish
• Safe foam fake weapon designed for LARP combat, cosplay, theater and film.

Product may differ slightly from the selected image.

Nemesis Workshops (also known as Ateliers Nemesis) has specialized in the design and manufacture of weapons for LARP and Cosplay for 20 years. In addition, Nemesis manufacture props, costumes, creatures, sets and promotional products for film, theatre, corporate, as well as various types of immersive entertainment activities (GN/LARP). 

Their reputation for excellence has earned Nemesis a worldwide recognition in these fields. Nemesis' high-end weapons for recreational combat are sold and distributed in more than a dozen countries. With expertise in composite materials, as well as a passion for challenge, allows Nemesis to create and design many costumes, creatures, accessories and puppets for myriad different environments.

From acrobatic performances to stunts, from large-scale shows, from the excessive to the realistic or the fantastic: Nemesis Workshop approach is to design products that meet everyone’s requirements and to be inspired by your dreams to make them come true.

Nemesis Workshops offers several lines, including:

Nemesis Artisan - classic range of artisinal weapons, handcrafted and painted with care.

Nemesis Athena - a range of swords and daggers using thermofoaming and including reinforced tips.

Nemesis Forge - a combination of the artisan parts with thermoformed blades where you can choose your own component blade, crossguard, pommel and handle to make a sword just right for you.

Nemesis Intium - a more minimalistic style of weapons simply painted using weapons that have had some aesthetic imperfections during production that haven't met the stricter standards of other ranges. Offered at significantly reduced prices, this range is more affordable and accessible to many, and is structurally as strong as other Nemesis weapons.

BEAM THEM UP. SCOTTY!

“Call my laser sword purple again! I dare you! I double dare you, misguided miscreant! Say that my laser sword is purple again, and I’ll slice you in half!”

The Laser Sword Blade is not as clumsy or random as a Long Chainsword. It is a graceful blade for a more cultured era.

Available in five colours, the blade is made of ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam surrounding a glass fibre core and designed with threaded joints, allowing for the attachment of a Heroic Laser Sword Handle or Villainous Laser Sword Handle.

Tsuba included

LEGEND

In the middle of the huge and festive camp, the cheers of the crowd grew deafening in the air as the bell rang on the fight’s winner. As the aspiring Guardian looked on, the stout one with boar tusks held out a hand and helped up the burly one with a large bearskin. Rivalry still shone in their eyes but she had a feeling these two would become friends over tonight’s feast as they exited the ring together.

The crowd’s attention shifted then, turning to her. Drawing a deep breath, the aspiring Guardian swept those thoughts aside and rose up to her full height, shaking her limbs to check for any piece of armor or regalia that may have loosened. As the cheers hushed into an expectant silence, she gripped her sword’s handle and made its amber eyes shine in the sunlight as she stepped forward. Across from her stood a larger opponent with an air of lupine strength but she was not intimidated; she believed in the mountain lion’s power that coursed through her body.

After a long moment staring into each other’s eyes, their bell rang and they leapt. Where the wolf swung high she hit low, and where they went low she sprung high with feline grace, her sword extending from her as a part of her body. Letting loose the instincts she had been gifted with, she yeowled wildly. Although talented, her opponent struggled to match her swift agility and when the bell sounded through the cheers, it was to her crouching astride the growling wolf’s back, gripping their throat with one hand closed like extended claws and the tip of her sword drawing a point of crimson blood. Slowly, she removed herself from her opponent and in the din of the impassioned crowd held down her hand.

DESCRIPTION

Step into the realms of ancient samurai and fantasy folklore with the Karkatau LARP Sword, the first of Calimacil's new Sentinels of Gaia Collection. Adorned with a majestic feline on its pommel, symbolizing the strength and prowess of the forest, this blade intricately depicts a katana's shape, embellished with vine-like knot patterns. Its tsuba, crafted to resemble reinforced vines, adds both aesthetic charm and practical reinforcement. Whether you're a seasoned LARPer or a newcomer to the world of fantasy, this sword promises to elevate your adventures, channeling the spirit of the jungle and the resilience of the samurai with every swing.

 The safe, durable foam construction allows you to freely swing the blade in combat without worrying about injuries. Choose the Bastard or Two-Handed blade length for the perfect fit for your character. 

 Karkatau meaning, Fang of the forest, is perfect for anyone who seeks to become ultimate woodland warriors and nature defenders.

Founded in 2004 in the cold windswept plains of the eastern Canada, Calimacil set out from its inception to become a world-class supplier of high-end LARP and historical re-enactment foam weapons. Our lavishly decorated designs are inspired by the martial lore of history, legends and stories taken directly from the dreamscapes of heroic fantasy. Our products are manufactured by an eager band of artisans made of passionate LARP players, martial arts practitioners and hardcore gamers. Playing is a fundamental part of the company's ethos as it focuses our creative energies and drives us to create new exciting weapons models. best foam weapon to play with.

From the Stronghold Masters Collection, Ryūgan, the Katana, is a blade with presence. Designed for those who appreciate both elegance and efficiency in their LARP weaponry. Named after the “dragon’s eye,” it’s built for movement, control, and a sense of style that stands out without being overly loud. The silhouette is inspired by traditional katana forms, refined for fantasy worlds and fast-paced action.

This latest addition to the Stronghold Masters range has been streamlined and rebalanced, making it much easier to manage than earlier versions. Made from latex-free PU foam around a strengthened fiberglass core and featuring a Kevlar-reinforced tip to provide added protection, Ryūgan is built to withstand heavy use. It's ideal for high-intensity fighting due to its slightly thinner profile, while still offering the distinctive Stronghold softness and resilience.

Whether you're cosplaying at a con, posing for your next photoshoot, or want a sword that swishes like you do, this one does exactly that.

The handle features a textured wrap in true katana style—canvas cross-laced in small, squared segments for a secure grip and added comfort. It's a small detail that lends the sword a grounded, tactile feel, especially when used bare-handed or during extended sessions. The balance sits naturally between the hilt and blade, making Ryūgan feel fluid in motion without being too light for satisfying strikes.

Ryūgan is available in eight distinct colours so that you can match it to your gear, your character, or just your favourite vibe:

• Amethyst (purple) – a rich, arcane hue with a touch of mystery
• Citrine (yellow) – warm and sharp, like sunlight through steel
• Emerald (green) – earthy and bold, perfect for wild and natural looks
• Gold – timeless and royal, with a commanding presence
• Noble Steel (silver) – clean, classic, and confident
• Ruby (red) – fiery, fierce, and impossible to ignore
• Sapphire (blue) – cool and focused, with ocean-deep depth
• Shadow (black) – sleek, subtle, and quietly powerful

It features a stylized tsuba (handguard), as shown in the photos. Its angular, curved shape provides an element of fantasy to what is otherwise a standard look. You can remove it or replace it with other Stronghold-compatible guards, giving you the freedom to customize your configuration or switch between different fashion styles for your characters.

Although designed with LARP in mind, the wide range of colors to choose from and slender shape also make Ryūgan an excellent choice for cosplayers, stage performers, and costumiers seeking secure, durable props that look excellent on camera and perform perfectly in combat. From suave samurai to anime-fantasy heroes, Ryūgan bridges the gap between history and fantasy.

Ryūgan is more than just good-looking—it's about feeling good. Light, strong, and full of presence, it's waiting for you when you are.

Dimensions

Size: 100cm (overall length)

Weight: 436g

Blade Length: 68 cm

Blade Width: 4.5 cm

Crossguard Width: 9.5 cm

Grip Length: 24 cm

The finest closed cel foam weapons on the battlefield!

The best made blades are forged by the most skilled swordsmiths, the metal worked with such precision and care that the edge can cut through flesh so cleanly that a person might not even know they are dead.

You have commissioned a swordsmith to craft you a Tanto. Before he is paid you want to be certain it is a properly made blade, and so you conduct a test. You produce a silken sheet, allowing it to descend lightly onto the Tanto’s edge. The sheet is cut cleanly, not a thread mismatched.

The blade is perfect.

DETAILS

Epic Armoury’s Tanto is one of the smaller latex weapons in the Asian Universe collection. Inspired by a historical weapon of Japan, the Tanto goes perfectly with a samurai’s set of swords. The 26 cm is straight with a single-edge, meeting a small oval crossguard that protects the 10 cm handle wrapped in split-leather.

Made from durable closed cell foam around a fibreglass core and finished with a strong latex coating, you can feel confident that your LARP weapon will provide the safety and appeal you want when crafting your Asian-inspired kit.

HISTORY

• Traditionally used by samurai of feudal Japan
• Designed to be drawn from the sheath quickly to accommodate combat that required fast response times
• Paired with a katana or wakizashi by samurai to display social power and personal honor

The armour of the true warrior is in his heart.
But having something over that often helps.

The best made armour is crafted by the most skilled smiths, the leather worked with such precision and care that the wearer can move unhindered, but still protected on the battlefield.

You have commissioned a leather crafter to create Samurai Armour for you. Before she is paid you want to be certain it is properly made armour, and so you conduct a test. With the chestplate properly tied to your torso, you perform a series of sword drills, faster than the eye can properly see.

The armour is perfect.

DETAILS

Epic Armoury’s Samurai Armour is a leather cuirass designed as part of the Asian Universe. Inspired by traditional samurai, this cuirass is laminar armour made from long horizontal full-grain leather plates. With attached leather tassets, shoulderguards, and a cotton foundation, this armour uses overlapping plates to provide protection and excellent mobility. Each plate is tied together and adjusted using sturdy canvas cords.

This Samurai Armour has been shaped and molded to feel particularly stiff like steel, but can be put on as easily as a surcoat with adjustable long cotton straps at the flanks. This armour offers great movement on its own or can be worn with chain armour or other Epic Armour leather or metal works, giving you the freedom to create any samurai inspired character that you want. With regular leather care, you can expect this Samurai Armour to last a long time.

Available in colours Red and Black; and size Medium/Large.

HISTORY

• This armour would be considered a type of kiritsuke iyozane dou, or simulated large scale lamellar
• Considered a type of dou, in Japanese, and was a major component of Japanese armour
• Thigh guards hanging from the cuirass were called kusazuri
• Shoulder armour was called sode, often made from iron and leather plates
• Would have often been worn with chain armour (or kusari)
• Long cotton cords would be tied into decorative knots