Following on from Maestro Paul MacDonald's post regarding "Casual
developments in foil blade flexibility" and other relayed posts I would
like to add a few comments.

Modern flexible blades are going to pose point control problems because of
their profile, there is simply too much mass towards the point. A standard
modern prieur foil in my possession measures 3.5x2.4mm at the nail head
compared to a Rhodes blade which measures 3.3x1.7, 100mm further back the
blade the prieur blade measures 3.9x2.55mm and the Rhodes 3.46x1.9mm.
Quite simply there is a large difference in the volume of metal in the
tip and the foil handles accordingly. Further, to balance the prieur
blade, using the same pommel design as
on the Rhodes foil, I had to add an extra 1.5cm of brass.

Moving on to the stiffness of blades, I'm not entirely in favour of
stiffer blades as they do bruise and have been known to cause students to
employ "non-aggression pacts" while performing drills with knock on
effects to their form and technique.

Simply put Maestro Paul MacDonald is entirely correct in saying that "a
distinct difference stands between original C19th foil blades and modern
sports blades", modern blades are not the tool for the job.

My proposal is thus:
All the groups that identify that they would have a use, both current and
near future, for more than 20 blades per group come together and have the
blades made.
Volume is the key; one must be looking for at the very least 100 blades to
turn anyone's head.

I look forward to hearing peoples response.

Regards,
Neville Gawley,
Limerick School of Arms


--
Dueling: Premeditated self defense


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