Epee Maraging StM blades...need opinion

[scarlet_woman156k]

I've been buying these over at good ol' Allstar, but I'm sick of paying their high-flutant prices (what gives with that anyway?). Is there any difference in the epee maraging StM blades from Allstar, The Fencing Post, and American Fencers Supply? Allstar is selling for $124, whereas the other two are selling for $89! Good grief.

I know someone said that there have been differences in quality with some other types of blades a while back (maybe BF in relation to Triplett/Allstar stock)...can't remember specifically.

Anyway...anyone have any info. on this?

Thanks!

[D'Artagnan1673]

Actually, when you calculate the %20 discout the Fencing Post gives to even their over the phone orders, you find that the STM blades are $72.10.

As to BF, TCA has the US contract. I've heard that some people think there is a difference in quality. I cannot attest to that. Therefore, I will not comment on whether or not there is a difference in quality between the Allstar blades & Fencing Post Blades.

[Pho]

From what I've seen of the blades, there doesn't seem to be any difference in quality between the ones that fencing post ships out and the allstar blades. Keep in mind though that blades from the same vendor might last differently.

Eric

[veeco]

Yes, blades tend to be different from a batch to the other. For example I bought BF white FIE blades from Cartel in December, they were very stiff. I recently bought 2 more which were not as stiff. You should try to flex the blades before buying them if you like them in a specific stiffness. If you don't care, it doesn't matter.

However, I don't think that in terms of quality it will be much different from what you get from Allstar USA. Go for the cheaper ones!

[mfp]

Originally Posted by D'Artagnan1673

Actually, when you calculate the %20 discout the Fencing Post gives to even their over the phone orders, you find that the STM blades are $72.10.

Or it's even cheaper for those who do the math correctly :-)

StM produces a range of FIE maraging blades -- I've seen white and gold colored StM FIE blades along with plain, uncolored ones. (While StM also makes "rainbow" colored blades, the ones I've seen have all been non-FIE).

So the question really goes back to you -- what type of StM FIE blades have you been buying through Allstar? And do you want or care if you get exactly the same type and color, etc, or are you mainly concerned that's it's an FIE blade at a good price? If the latter, go with the Fencing Post. But if you have something specific in mind, you'll need to tell us what it is.

[mfp]

Here's the allstar (Germany) line card for epee blades:

http://212.58.67.69/zusatzdokumente/epeeblades.pdf

Can you spot the StM blade you've been buying from allstar USA?

While I still haven't seen one in person, I noticed that the line card shows StM Rainbows are supposedly available in FIE blades as well.

[scarlet_woman156k]

MFP:
The kind I have purchased have either been the rainbow and/or without any coating. I've also bought the gold before, from Amercian Fencers Supply, but found it to be stiffer/heavier. I particularly liked the ones that don't have any coating.

There's currently only one type of epee blade I've been purchasing from Allstar, and it seems to be the uncoated one:

http://www.allstar-usa.com/cgi-bin/s...ee&sub=ED~210b

I looked at the link you sent me, and it seems the blades I've been purchasing are either the number 10 or 12 (it's hard to tell).

[D'Artagnan1673]

Originally Posted by mfp

Or it's even cheaper for those who do the math correctly :-)

I know that math is my worst subject, but The Fencing Post sells STM FIE unwired blades for 89.00. I put that in my calculater and multiply by .8 and I get 71.20. According to the source I was using, http://www.thefencingpost.com/Epee.htm, that should be correct.

[mfp]

Originally Posted by D'Artagnan1673

I know that math is my worst subject, but The Fencing Post sells STM FIE unwired blades for 89.00. I put that in my calculater and multiply by .8 and I get 71.20.

Yes, and $71.20 is 90 cents less than what you originally posted. :-)

scarlet_woman156k, if the uncoated is the type of StM blade you like, then by all means, give the nice people at the Fencing Post a call and see if that's what they have. Their prices and service are far, far, better than Allstar USA (in my experience). As veeco wrote, it's always best if you can try and pick out your blades in person, but if that's not an option, you can call a good vendor and tell them what you're looking for.

[scarlet_woman156k]

Thanks for the assistance, mfp (and veeco). And yes, from my experience as well, Allstar is not always the best as far as service. Although, my last purchase was a great experience.

[D'Artagnan1673]

Originally Posted by mfp

Yes, and $71.20 is 90 cents less than what you originally posted. :-)

Ah! It is not math that is my problem, I am suffering from a minor case of dyslexia!