Epee Points

[onesandzeros]

Ok, I have a bit of a question about the interchangeability of German and French parts in an epee point.

1) I have an Uhlmann blade with (I'm guessing a German point). Somehow there was a ground going on in the barrel, so I replaced the tip (kept the barrel so I wouldn't have to re-wire). With the new tip everything seems to working perfectly... but, the tip came from an STM blade (which I believe has french points.... if that isn't the case, I am home free). So, finally the point of my question (all puns intended), will a French tip with French screws/springs work with a German barrel or vice versa?

2) I know how to tell the difference between French and German points on foils, but what are the differences between the two for Epee?

Thanks!

[canthidefromme]

Ok, I have a bit of a question about the interchangeability of German and French parts in an epee point.

1) I have an Uhlmann blade with (I'm guessing a German point). Somehow there was a ground going on in the barrel, so I replaced the tip (kept the barrel so I wouldn't have to re-wire). With the new tip everything seems to working perfectly... but, the tip came from an STM blade (which I believe has french points.... if that isn't the case, I am home free). So, finally the point of my question (all puns intended), will a French tip with French screws/springs work with a German barrel or vice versa?

2) I know how to tell the difference between French and German points on foils, but what are the differences between the two for Epee?

Thanks!

I don't know how, but if it works, it works.

[damianip]

Although not always true, on the batches of French and German epee tips I've seen lately, the insulators on the outside of the point are brownish-red and white respectively.

The screws and springs will work, but not as well as they would in their native points. At least, I've made them work in a pinch. It's best to keep your points "ethnically pure" whenever possible: even to the point of manufacturer and C.O.M.: e.g. PBT points are German design but made in Hungary.

Paolo

[suregrip]

I've found that they AREN'T interchangeable. I've had folks give me weapons with German points with no idea of whether or not their point was French or German. French tips tend to 'roll around' in a German barrel because it's wider than the French barrel. One guy at my club bragged about making the two work together only to come off the strip with his epee about an hour later. One solid hit jammed the French tip kind of sideways in the barrel. It had to be drilled out.

[DangerMouse]

I've never had a problem getting the two to work together. The manufactuing of both is fairly inconsistant and sometimes I've found german tips that won't fit into german barrels and french tips that won't fit into french barrels. The same goes for the springs. Just try different combinations to find what works and is smoothest.

[MyraTrue]

I've found some parts to NOT be interchangeable, and other are. Where I ran into problems with german and french epee parts was in the wires and the problem with springs and the cups.

Honestly, if it works, then I'd be content. I also try to keep my tips completely of one type- ie, German or French-, but I'm sure some mixing does occur.

Most problems I've had have been things like tips incompatible with barrel (doesn't pass large shim, doesn't fit the barrel) or things like buying German wires and having a French tip.

[Swordmaster]

...what are the differences between the two for Epee?

As for how to tell them apart, It may take a bit of practice. The German points have a smoother finish to the outside of the barrel than the Sport 7 or Gallaxy French barrels. The leading edge of the tip of the German point is less rounded than the French. When looking at the place where the contact threads onto the post of the tip, the German tip has a space for the longer German contact spring to go up inside the plastic insulator and the French simply butt the contact spring against the insulator. The screw slots of a German point are much better machined and well defined. German tip screw generally have a rounded head, where French screws are generally flat.
The problem I am seeing now though, is that the Chinese and Hungarians are producing "German look a likes" but they are not equal in quality. So if you want to be sure you are using German parts, make sure you buy them from someone who does not carry the Chinese or Hungarian look a likes.
I don't carry Chinese or Hungarian look a likes...
Oh yes, you can use a German wire in a French point and visa versa. Sometimes you can swap push back springs back and forth, but be sure and test the force before you present it on strip. Contact springs are not interchangeable. The Germans use a denser spiral and have a different inside diameter, it may look like it will work but it will cause you problems in the future.
Hope this helps.

[DangerMouse]

Sometimes you can swap push back springs back and forth, but be sure and test the force before you present it on strip.

Just be aware that the french push back (weight) springs don't work well with the german wires because of the little wall around the contacts on the wire cup.

[onesandzeros]

Woohoo! Thanks everyone!