Razor Flags: Make Your Own Anime-Inspired Cosplay Banners | Genshin Impact Razor Guide

Introduction to Razor Flags

Razor flags, also known as razor wind banners, have become an increasingly popular decoration and prop amongst cosplayers, gamers, and anime enthusiasts. With their sharp, slashing aesthetic, it's easy to see why they pair so well with characters like Razor from Genshin Impact. In this guide, we'll take a deep dive into everything you need to know about razor flags - from where the concept comes from to tips on making and using them.

The Origins and Meaning of Razor Flags

In Japanese culture, razor flags are known as "kamaitachi no hata" - literally translating to "sickle weasel flag." The legend of the kamaitachi tells of a trio of weasels with sharp claws that ride on whirlwinds and cut people. The flags are meant to evoke the image of these slashing weasel yokai. Kamaitachi no hata first originated in Japanese folklore and have since been popularized by anime and video games.

Beyond referencing Japanese folklore, razor flags also represent cutting wind and slashing attacks. Their sharp, jagged edges combined with how they flutter in the breeze gives them an intense, fierce energy. When used as a prop, they help convey a character's affinity with wind and storm-based powers.

Using Razor Flags for Cosplay and Photography

Razor flags make for perfect cosplay props and accessories when portraying characters that wield wind abilities or blades. For example, they suit the Genshin Impact character Razor incredibly well given his wolf-like nature, claws, and anemo vision.

The banners look dynamic in photos and videos, especially when shown fluttering and slicing through the air. Their mesmerizing quality also makes them eye-catching additions to flat lays and collection photos. For outdoor shoots, try running, jumping, and slashing with the flags to mimic a character's combat and evoke a sense of action.

Don't limit yourself to just waving flags around straight on a pole, either. You can get creative with your poses and angles by swirling, twisting, and contouring your body while holding the banners. Use clever hand and arm placements to frame your face and torso. This creates geometric shapes and lines for visual interest.

Making Your Own Razor Flags

Purchasing pre-made razor flags is one option, but making your own allows for total customization. Here are some tips:

• Use lightweight, semi-transparent fabric like polyester chiffon so the flags can billow and slice through the air.
• Cut fabric into pointed, zig-zagged, or tattered edges to achieve the signature razor shape.
• Incorporate kanji symbols, anime art, or your character's emblem using fabric paint.
• Make flags in your character's colors or elemental themes, like green for Anemo.
• Attach flags securely to a long pole or staff to wave around.
• For photo ops, glue flag to a paper straw and tape it to a selfie stick hidden from view.

Razor Flag Inspiration

Check out these razor flag displays to spark your own ideas:

• Pose with a flag in each hand crossed in an X shape across your body.
• Affix flags to your belt, costume armor, or back to emulate wings.
• Attach smaller flags to your fingertips to accentuate hand and nail art.
• Wind flags around poles, railings, trees, or your legs for an airy look.
• Suspend flags in a doorway or corner to recreate a dramatic scene.
• Creatively edit and layer flag photos to generate wind and storm effects.

Razor in Genshin Impact

Razor is an electrifying four-star anemo character in Genshin Impact. Here's a snapshot of Razor:

Backstory

Razor is a young boy raised by a pack of wolves in Wolvendom of Mondstadt. He was taken in by the wolf pack as a baby and grew up isolated from human civilization. Though Razor can speak, he prefers using lupical - wolf language. His lone wolf personality makes him wary of humans at first.

Abilities

As an anemo character, Razor wields wind elemental magic in combat. He unleashes swift claw swipes, charging tackles, and drilling claw spins to shred his foes. His unique skills are:

• Elemental Skill "Claw and Thunder" - Performs an electrified claw slash.
• Elemental Burst "Lightning Fang" - Greatly boosts Razor's electro damage and speed.
• Passive Talent "Wolvensprint" - Decreases sprinting stamina consumption for Razor's party.

Gameplay Role

With his mix of anemo and electro abilities, Razor functions as a highly mobile physical damage dealer. He excels at executing swift combos and rapid attacks. Equipping Razor with artifacts and weapons that bolster his attack, crit rate, and electro damage allow him to overwhelm opponents with speedy, electrified assaults.

Razor in the Story

Razor's story quest provides insight into his feral upbringing and why he joins your party. While naturally distrustful of humans, Razor recognizes the player as a friend after they help defend Wolvendom from harm. His inclusion brings a fierce yet innocent dynamic to your adventures.

Conclusion

With their sharp, slashing look and deep roots in Japanese culture, razor flags capture the ferocious energy of wind magic. They bring anime and folklore inspired style to cosplay. Making your own flags unleashes creativity and customization. Pairing razor flags with speedy, electrified characters like Razor from Genshin Impact makes for impactful photos and videos. Use this guide to get inspired designing your own razor flag cosplay accessories and shots.

FAQs

What are razor flags?

Razor flags, also called razor wind banners, are sharp, jagged decorative banners used for cosplay and photography. They originated from Japanese folklore and evoke the image of slashing wind and attacks.

What characters pair well with razor flags?

Razor flags suit characters that use wind abilities, blades, claws, or speedy attacks in their fighting style, such as Razor from Genshin Impact. They also complement ninja, samurai, and other anime-inspired outfits.

How do you make your own razor flags?

Use lightweight, semi-transparent polyester chiffon cut into zigzagged or pointed edges. Add kanji symbols, character emblems, or elemental details with fabric paint. Securely fasten flags to poles or sticks. Make them in your character's colors.

What are some ways to use razor flags creatively?

Swirl and twist them while posing. Affix them to clothing, armor, or backdrops. Suspend them from trees or railings. Edit photos to add wind and motion effects. Layer multiple flags for a dramatic look.

Why are they called kamaitachi no hata in Japanese?

Kamaitachi no hata translates to "sickle weasel flag" in Japanese. This references the kamaitachi - legend of weasels who ride on whirlwinds and cut people with their sharp claws.