Blade flexibility

[angriff]

From what I've read/heard so far, blades (specifically maraging BF ones, since I'm looking to place orders for them) come in varying degrees of flexibility. If I were to order online, how do I specify how flexible I want the blade to be, and more importantly, how do I know if I'm going to get a stiff or "flicky" blade?

Thanks!!

[telkanuru]

Some places have an "additional comments' form for online (ex. BG), so you can say, "give me a whip" or whatnot. This is, of course, an impercise method, but the best you can get without testing them yourself.

[Artisan]

Originally Posted by angriff

From what I've read/heard so far, blades (specifically maraging BF ones, since I'm looking to place orders for them) come in varying degrees of flexibility. If I were to order online, how do I specify how flexible I want the blade to be, and more importantly, how do I know if I'm going to get a stiff or "flicky" blade?

Thanks!!

You can't. Some brands are more or less stiff than others, as well as a different "feel." Within a brand or model there can be quite a bit of variation as well - so blades are best bought in person - atleast until you find a blade you like, from a vendor you like. Like buying shoes Mail order, one company's 9-1/2 is not the same as anothers - you gotta try 'em on, or take the chance...

[Grey]

They'll give you a specification. Read the FIE rule book, they'll tell you how its flexibility is rated. Ask the supplier for that rating.

[Artisan]

Originally Posted by Grey

They'll give you a specification. Read the FIE rule book, they'll tell you how its flexibility is rated. Ask the supplier for that rating.

Grey, have you ever actually done this? I've not seen any vendors that have data on blade flexibility in any quantifiable manner.
The FIE Rules are for testing the maximum ALLOWABLE flexibility for FIE certification, and for measuring the degree of flexibility for weapon control in a tournament.

[kalivor]

Originally Posted by Artisan

Grey, have you ever actually done this? I've not seen any vendors that have data on blade flexibility in any quantifiable manner.
The FIE Rules are for testing the maximum ALLOWABLE flexibility for FIE certification, and for measuring the degree of flexibility for weapon control in a tournament.

I know that Leon Paul does this for their flickmasters ... you can specify the exact flexibility that you want when ordering. I've never seen it anywhere else.

[Artisan]

Originally Posted by kalivor

I know that Leon Paul does this for their flickmasters ... you can specify the exact flexibility that you want when ordering. I've never seen it anywhere else.

Yeah but that value if it is numerical has nothing to do with the FIE specs. Plus, WHERE the blade flexes has a HUGE impact on the feel of the blade....and no one keeps track of that - you have to see & feel it to get a sense of it.

[Grey]

It said flexibility, not the fulcrum of flexibility. It isn't specified where they want it to be.