The ultimate lightweight epee

[D+F+P=Hadouken!]

so far, I'm trying to build the ultimate lightweight epee. Its uses an aluminum bell, an LP non fie, and a custom fabricated aluminum socket. Here are the questions.

1. Can I drill small perforations into my pistol grip to make it lighter?
2. how should I bend the tang to give balance it for maximum lightness?
3. Will the lightness effect point control?
4. Where should it be balanced for point control?

[ThaProfessor12]

if the weight is near the hand that will make the tip lighter...

[MHS Fencer]

Out of curiousity, why? I think you'll find that a better balanced blade works much better than a lighter weight one, but if you think that it'll give you a split second or that it'll reduce the wear on your arm over the course of the day, and that it's a better option than weight training, go ahead, and yes, the lightness will affect your control, so if you switch from a heavier blade to that, your actions will probably become a little sloppier until you get used to it (just what i've noticed from when i experimented with a lightweight epee).

[Alex_Paul]

For the best point control you want the blade to be as stiff as possible. The actual point of balance should not make a huge difference to the accuracy with which you move your point but it will make a difference to the way that the weapon feels in use. I have done extensive tests on a huge range of blades and copmete weapons and found that usually the difference in centres of gravity is very small 90% being within a 1 inch position on the forte of the blade and the very largest divergence being 3 inches (from the most tip heavy to the most "balanced").
A very light weapon will feel less controlled because you are used to having the mass of the weapon accentuating your movements but in fact you will eventually be able to move it more quickly and accurately.

FYI we do sell a light weight aluminium epee IGS here: http://www.leonpaulusa.com/fencing/a..._Parts_10.html

If you want a truly well balanced weapon then in my opinion you have to go back to the old school and fence with a french grip and a nice heavy pommel.

[tsalyards]

You're going fencing, not backpacking, dude. A weapon can only be so light before it is useless for beats and opposition attacks too. Keep that in mind.