BF blue epee blades...

Evening all,

Recently, I decided to give the BF blue epee blades a try. I ordered two
complete weapons from Zivkovic. The build quality of both weapons was
superb, and the overall performance was great. I really like his handles.

Both blades had a nasty tendency to take backwards bends, and hold them
with the tenacity of a pit bull. One broke the first time I tried to
straighten it, the other lasted a couple weeks, and broke in a similar
fashion.

I'm generally pretty gentle on blades. I've had different blades last
anywhere from 4 months to a year. Breaking two in three weeks is a new
and not altoether pleasant experience. Is this a common problem with the
BF blues?

Zivkovic accepted the first back for replacement without any questions.
I'll call him tomorrow to tell him about the second, but I wouldn't
expect a replacement after this length of time.

Basically, I'm just wondering if this is a bad batch of blades, or if
short life is common from this manufacturer. Any experience out there?

-Greg

> Basically, I'm just wondering if this is a bad batch of blades, or
if
> short life is common from this manufacturer. Any experience out
there?
>
> -Greg

Three fencers (including me) in our club have had the exact same
experience.
The blue BF epee blades bend approx. 10 cm from the tip, and break
shortly after being straightened.
Expected blade lifetime: 1 week. Clearly not a good batch.

--
Michael

On Wed, 18 Aug 2004 1:10:48 -0700, Michael Christensen wrote
(in message <cfv2vp$ug9$1@news.cybercity.dk>):

>> Basically, I'm just wondering if this is a bad batch of blades, or
> if
>> short life is common from this manufacturer. Any experience out
> there?
>>
>> -Greg
>
> Three fencers (including me) in our club have had the exact same
> experience.
> The blue BF epee blades bend approx. 10 cm from the tip, and break
> shortly after being straightened.
> Expected blade lifetime: 1 week. Clearly not a good batch.

Thanks for the feedback. I guess I'll have more opportunities for
testing, as the Mr. Z. is replacing both blades without question.
Hopefully, from a different batch...

Cheers,
Greg

Sorry for the late reply - Olympic viewing.
I've used the BF Blue blades for the past 4 years. Used to be a very stiff,
well made & durable blade. Average life was over a year unless subjected to a
really severe "reverse" bend. I fence 2 or 3 times a week. last 2 years (year
& a half?) the batches are not consistent either in maching or stiffness.
Haven't had any do what yours did, but I would have to say that the quality is
not what it was. Blue Gauntlet now specifically disclaims any life expectancy
for the BP blades. Bought 2 blades 3 months ago (I don't remember the
manufacture date), hand selected, & so far both have been ok (not what they
were, but acceptable).