The promotional machine is spinning up over at AMC now that the shoot is back in session. Today they posted a really interesting Q&A with prop master John Sanders, the man responsible for Rick’s Python, Michonne’s katana (custom!), and Daryl’s crossbow.
Q: As the guy in charge of all the props, what are some staples that bear your mark?
A: The new crossbow for Daryl — I altered that one for the show. I took Norman [Reedus] to a bow range for him to shoot. I was kind of showing off with the guys there, and I was showing him some of the top-end crossbows. I let him shoot the Stryker 380, and once he shot that he had me take pictures of him and had me send them to the producers, and immediately it got in the works that we wanted him to have it. Michonne’s sword I actually helped design between Season 2 and Season 3. I used some friends of mine at United Cutlery to help me. I knew it was a huge piece in the show, so I wanted to make something really iconic and add some elements that are really closer to my heart. The triple goddess and the trinity of life; those things are important to me in my life, and close to my wife.
Rick wouldn’t be quite the same without that Python! That is The Rick Grimes Gun!!