bent blade

[UTEpee]

Hello all,

ive been using my uhlmann bf epee blade for about 2 days of bouting and noticed a very small kink about 10 or so inches from the point. is there anything that can be done to correct this, such as bending the blade in a vise or the like? further, i notice that when i hit sometimes the blade bends downward, instead of the proper upward. im sure this is what is causing the bend, and i know its a weakness in my form, but is there anything i can do to prevent myself from doing this on a regular basis other than elevating the arm/wrist when i hit?

any advice appreciated

[Inquartata]

The "proper upward"? Do you fence in supination? Most epees I see are curved downward as held. That is, they make an arch, not a hollow...

[Schiavona]

The "proper upward"? Do you fence in supination? Most epees I see are curved downward as held. That is, they make an arch, not a hollow...

I was confused by this also. I believe that he's referring to the curve of the arch being 'upward', rather than referring to the point(as we all do) which should curve downward. Live and learn.

[Schiavona]

Hello all,

ive been using my uhlmann bf epee blade for about 2 days of bouting and noticed a very small kink about 10 or so inches from the point. is there anything that can be done to correct this, such as bending the blade in a vise or the like? further, i notice that when i hit sometimes the blade bends downward, instead of the proper upward. im sure this is what is causing the bend, and i know its a weakness in my form, but is there anything i can do to prevent myself from doing this on a regular basis other than elevating the arm/wrist when i hit?

any advice appreciated

If you push down with your thumb, instead of pulling up with your index finger what you describe can happen. My advice is this; do thrusts and lunges against a static target, but have some fun and TRY to make your blade bend ALL different ways, up, down, sideways right and left. Play around, get to know your blade and how your body relates to it. This is how those people who seem to pull a touch from an insane angle learn to hit.

[Artisan]

Often the downward (tip up, middle down -AKA: wrong way) bend is a result of the hit coming too early, that is before the full extension. Which means that your feet have outpaced the hand, and you are too close, so the extension is still occuring when you land the hit. If however the arm is fully out, and the weapon is stationary relative to your arm and body, then when the legs drive the hit home, the path of the blade is straight, and the blade follows the correct bend (belly up).

Its been said here before: You hit with your feet.

[Schiavona]

Its been said here before: You hit with your feet.

Is that why the last guy I fenced kicked me?

[achilleus]

Is that why the last guy I fenced kicked me?

We must've fenced, cause that's my best action.

[Army Fencer]

The "proper upward"? Do you fence in supination? Most epees I see are curved downward as held. That is, they make an arch, not a hollow...

Well, an upward bend is legal.

I've heard of a lot of people who have problems in their BF blades very close to the tip. You aren't alone (...I've broken 9 blades since January, most of them BFs).

[UTEpee]

Army Fencer.....

since you have had a problem with BF blades in the past, what would you use for a blade that doesnt take a bend or kink so easily?

and thanks to all for the replies, i talked to my coach, who watched me fence for a bit, and artisan pretty much nailed it, my footwork and extensions dont seem to be very well coordinated. oh well, looks like more wall work for me.....

[Inquartata]

Well, an upward bend is legal.

Never said it wasn't---just that it isn't the norm, ie the "proper" version. The question, assuming I didn't misread it, implied that it was usual...