When customizing we all have to remember that this is our 'interpetation' of a certain character using what we have handy and basically 'winging' it. We never know how something will turn out until we try it. So try it!

Tactical Vest

Here's a look at Blade's tactical vest in the works. I started with set of white dragon body armor and dyed it black. Adding some velcro straps for a better fit. The vest should have straps.
The ammo pouches are actually off the jacket of a BBI Carlos, cut in half. The Uzi ammo clips are 21st century.

To make the buckel I tried fabricating them from sculpty, and painting with chrome paint. They are brittle, so instead of looping though the ends with a tight belt risking breakage, I simply velcroed the back of the buckle and attached that way.

How ya gonna make leather? Can't find the jacket needed? It's not perfect but looks good and gives the same effect. I just use some Liquitex Gel Medium which is basically like an extender to mix with paint. It can be found in matte (a light sheen) or gloss effect. Just paint the cloth item with a thin, even layer of paint. Goes on in a milky look and dries clear. I also did Blade's pants for the same effect.

Leather coat

I'm deciding whether to use a Gi Joe body or not. This guy has Hot Toys bendable wireframe hands. I know he needs black gloves, too. I have to figure this out.

AA skin tone

I used a dark brown base color for Wesley's haed. I've never really painted an AA complextion in the past. Although, I did a painting of Peter Tosh in art school. I highlighted the head with a burnt umber using the drybrush technique. Practice off to the side first to get the hang of it. This is a technique where very little goes a long way. Dab you brush off to the side before even touching the piece.

Warrior tatoos

I really just started with these, trying to find every picture I could of Wesley and watching the movie repeatedly looking for the tats. In some areas I decided to just wing it and approximate the art. I basically roughed it in here and will now refine these.

Weapons

I had to find a shotgun that fires metal spikes and kind of a customized Uzi (which in reality-the movie is a paintball gun, I'm serious!) plus a sword. We'll get to the boomarang guave at a later date. 
The shotgun is a customized 21st century villains pump action. I pick up those cheapo knock-off (to me looks like 21st Centery) recasts in the dollar stores, made in China kind-of-stuff. Have them on hand to slice and dice. I took a machine cun and used par tof the body for the Uzi extention and another section to hold both spikes on the shotgun. 

The sunglasses area sculpted re-cast (took forever, they are so delicate), painted and sealed.

GET A DREMEL! Or whatever suits your fancy, you basically can't do fine drill work without one.

Luckily I some loose leggings frome some Sci-Fi guy I had picked up in a trade. Customized a bit to hold the spikes and Uzi. New buckle on the belt.

Sword

I had to find a sword. Could be plastic, could be cardboard, could be tin, could be aluminum? Had to be a flexible sturdy metal about 1/4" thick. It finally occured to me...the spline from a rake! An old leaf rake, the kind thet used to make out of bamboo, now made of metal. The kind shaped like a triangle. You probably have one in your garage.
The spline needs to be (in my case because of rust) cleaned up, sanded and polished. I had nickel plated o-rings, decorative edging and beads, as well as, some 1/4" doweling for the handle. For metal tidbits, go to a local bead/craftshop or leather/saddlery place. On the net a place called RioRondo.

Sheath and vest sword holder

The sword had to fit in something sliding down his back. I always pick up cheapo ladies watch bands when I see them to use the buckles for belts on my guys. (Now, there's a trade secret!) I have the straps left for adds and ends. Slice one down the middle, put on a new backing, adhere a leather holder onto the vest, slip it in...removable sheath, removable sword. 

Another tip: I use contact cement constantly - applied sparingly to both sides to be bonded and allowed ample drying time - works perfectly, especially on leather or densely woven cloth.

Look deep into my eyes...I should be done soon! Truth is, I'm not totally satisfied with him but that's the way it goes. Overall, he is hanging together. He has a black t-shirt and the black jacket seen in this and the above pic. 
More to come...