Armorers

[RedsectorA]

Exactly how does one become an Armorer? I mean, are there any schools or training camps?



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Joel

"The more we think we know about, the greater the unknown!"

[HilandDoug]

Joel,

When Greg Gibbs is around, you can ask him, or when Sean O'Brien's hand heals and he comes back, you can ask him, too. You can also buy Rudy Volkman's Big Book of Fencing. I hear it has some good repair tips and guidelines in it.

[neevel]

There is actually an Armorer's study guide on the USFA website (it's under the Forms section) that was drawn up by the Armorer's commission as part of a plan to institute a development program-- I'm not aware of any further moves on that, yet.

As things stand now, the way most people got started was by informally learning from the more experienced armorers in their area, and then starting to work at their clubs and at local or regional tournaments. Once you've attained a level of knowledge that you feel confident in, you can then try doing a national tournament.

The way things work right now, at each NAC the Armorer's Commission is wanting to have at least one 'apprentice armorer' on staff. Apprentices are expected to pay their own travel for their first NAC, and if the head armorer for the event thinks you were up to the task you be put on the list of people available to work at national competitions.

To get in train for doing your first NAC, you normally ask a national armorer in your area about working a NAC (especially if one that's nearby). You can also contact the national office about it, who probably will end up putting you in touch with Ron Herman (who currently helps co-ordinate getting tech staff for the season;s competition). For each tournament, there will be a designated 'head armorer' who will then contact other folks on the roster to work at the event.

Once you've got enough NACs successfully under your belt, you can start thinking of doing international events. Again, the best way to do this is to see if a more experienced armorer you know would be willing to have you along as an apprentice (and you'll need to pay your own way to the event). Once you've satisfactorily completed an apprenticeship event, you can be put on the available-list for cadre' to international events.

-Dave

[RedsectorA]

Thanks Doug! I might just do that! I already have RUdy Volkman's Book. I bought that before I started fencing! It does have some interesting stuff in it!

Thanks Dave! That is quite informative! I was curious about if there was a organization that controlled such things.

Not that I want to become an Armorer at the moment, but who knows about the future. But I think knowing a lot about your equipment is a handy skill. Especially considering the cost of some of the items!

Thanks!


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Joel

"The more we think we know about, the greater the unknown!"

[MikeHarm]

What happened to Sean's hand?

Mike

[saberkid]

hmmm, im my clubs head armorer, and i never read anything.. i kinda difured out how it all worked out, and just repeated the processe, most of its pretty simple, you might need a book on how foil and epee tips work, but i think thats about it.


Chris

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Fence with the best die like the rest!