Difference between types of FIE blades

[bobic]

Hi all, i've recently broken my Uhlmann FIE BF Blade
I'm thinking of replacing my FIE blade but am in a little short on cash at the moment. I would like to know what are the differences between the Uhlmann's BF,SM and SF grade blades? Can someone kindly advise me on the value for money blade? I know BF blade is the most expensive, but if it's more durable than the rest i won't mind.

pls advise, thanks!

[Pho]

what weapon do you fence?

[bobic]

ooopss i forgotten to write that down. I fence Epee. Thanks!

[neevel]

BF blades come from the Blaise Freres forge. Uhlmann SM blades are re-badged StM blades from Ukraine. From my experience with foil blades, StM blades are light and less stiff than BF blades (though, as always, there's variation in stiffness from blade to blade). They do seem prone to taking kinks. The SF blades come from the Scaroni forge in Italy, which Uhlmann bought and put back into operation. I've not had a chance to use any of these blades, so I can't really comment, but if they're like the old Scaronis they'll also be a bit lighter and more flexible than BF blades.

-Dave

[bobic]

gee thanks....errm...so is BF better for Epee?