Stealing Stuff

[Black Jeebus]

I have in the past ended up with like +-1 body cord after events. Although I had the thought that if I started putting tape all over them, maybe mine won't disappear, and other people's won't materialize in my bag.

[Li'l Bebe]

I've found that fencers in general are good people, especially compared to the rest of the world. My coach lost her "bad a$$" camera at nationals, and we freaked out searching for it. We eventually found it several hours later, sitting there in the middle of the isle way, case and all, completely un-touched exept for the bag had been zipped up snuggly, and everything was nice and neat by each other.

However, in Albuequerque, my spare foil disappeared during my Cadet pools. I put out a claim in the lost and found, and checked every day for it. A couple days later, they said that they had a foil that matched my description, but "my brother" picked it up for me. (My brother has never seen me fence, let alone gone to competitions with me.) I was really pissed. It was an ancient Non-FIE, so it wasn't too tragic, but I liked the grip and bell-guard, and had worked hard for it. Not sure if someone picked it up on accident, or if it was purposefully stolen, all I know is I'm now down to one foil (eek)

[ShadyLane]

Originally Posted by lfortier

I guess there's another benefit to being left handed-not as many people who'd steal gear would actually take it unless they were leftys themselves- especially when its weapons, jackets, ect that they're out to get.

Hehehe, agreed! I think that's the only benefit of being a lefty...even big plus to this is if you're small or short, then your glove size, weapon grips, and jacket probably won't fit them

[ShadyLane]

I would never steal. Stealing is soo wrong on many levels...plus I have a uber strong conscience

Stealing is so low and dirty, I can't imagine why people would want to steal...thieves are cold, cruel creatures...

Plus, I get guilty all the time so it all works out

[ShadyLane]

Originally Posted by Ordway

My experience has always been that any "theft" is totally accidental - after all, most fencing gear looks pretty similar. That's why I put my name on absolutely *everything* (including my initials on body cords and mask clips).

That being said, I only put my name or initials on my mask, weapons and body cords...is there a good area to write your name on gloves (it's just that it's so white and I don't want to put my name on it)? I'm undecided as to whether I should be putting my name on my jacket, lame and breeches...they look white and pretty!

[penguin_2000]

Is there any way to mark the blade itself? Those FIE blades are so hard, I don't think you could mark it except with a chemical/electrical etcher or laser engraver (I know, I know, it won't be legal after you alter it... blah, blah, blah). I thought about picking up a set of letter punches, but I don't think it could make a dent in FIE blades.

[Amadeus]

Originally Posted by penguin_2000

Is there any way to mark the blade itself? Those FIE blades are so hard, I don't think you could mark it except with a chemical/electrical etcher or laser engraver (I know, I know, it won't be legal after you alter it... blah, blah, blah). I thought about picking up a set of letter punches, but I don't think it could make a dent in FIE blades.

permanent marker lasts for awhile.

anyway, i think you're fine just marking your guard, pad, and grip if necessary. if someone has enough time to take your blade apart and take it, your name isn't going to prevent them from stealing it.

[D'Artag-NOT]

Originally Posted by ShadyLane

That being said, I only put my name or initials on my mask, weapons and body cords...is there a good area to write your name on gloves (it's just that it's so white and I don't want to put my name on it)? I'm undecided as to whether I should be putting my name on my jacket, lame and breeches...they look white and pretty!

I wrote my name, club name, and phone number on the INSIDE of my glove--easily seen when I'm not wearing the glove, invisible when it's on. Ditto my jacket and breeches--write the information on the inside of the collar and waistband. I used a laundry marker. This stuff is pretty expensive and I want to protect it as best I can, y'know?

[needle]

Originally Posted by ShadyLane

...thieves are cold, cruel creatures...

Hey, I find that offensive to honest, hardworking cold cruel creatures

[ObliviousFencer]

Someone took my friend's foil, but it's the worst weapon ever so I feel bad for the person who took it.

[Escr1m3ur]

I've never stolen anything, unless you count running around a hotel the night before a tournament searching for teammates to ask for things like a spring, barrel or tip screw. :P

I have, however, had a foil stolen from me. It wasn't even at a tournament; it was at my club and it was a dry french grip. there were only two other people in the main part of the club, I had my back turned for maybe two minutes while they packed their stuff up, and later it was gone. My coach and I searched around the club for at least fifteen minutes, but it was gone. I'm fairly sure I know who took it (he doesn't even USE a french grip, dangit!), but it's been a few years, and I've since moved and switched grips. So while it annoys the heck out of me and I personally wouldn't mind going all out on this guy, I've given up ever getting it back.