Sawing the grip

[akaiyuki]

What's the rule for sawing/cutting a grip (this is foil btw, if that matters)? I remember way back during my first year of fencing I was using these sawed belgian grips from my high school. I'm looking into sawing mine now if possible since I've been having trouble hitting at a couple various angles as the grip would get stuck in my glove (where the body cord is suppose to come out).

[keith]

as I recall removing is fine adding isn't so saw away.


.... the only vague concern is that you create a grip that breaks the 'orthapedic should hold the hand in a single fixed position' rule. But assuming you start with a 'legal' grip you should be fine - although starting with a belgian might allow you to make something illegal so be careful.

[great bowyer]

i shortened the end of my one visconti grip. it does make it easier to get some angles. i like how it feels, but have been too lazy to do it to the rest of my grips. as far as it being legal, no one ever said anything to me about it, but that does not say very much.

[needle]

i shortened the end of my one visconti grip. it does make it easier to get some angles. i like how it feels, but have been too lazy to do it to the rest of my grips. as far as it being legal, no one ever said anything to me about it, but that does not say very much.

Off-the-shelf grips come in different sizes and a grip with the same name by different manufacturers will have slightly different shape. So, as long as by shortening your grip or filing it on the sides (or anywhere else) you don't break the requirement to pistol grips (that you should only be able to hold it in a single manner - sorry, don't remember exact wording), you are OK.
I have a very narrow palm and very long fingers - almost no off-the-shelf grip works for me, hence I tune all of the grips I have to my hand. Gets real funny when somebody with larger hand tries to borrow one of my epees

[DHCJr]

There is one VERY IMPORTANT thing to do after you shorten your handle. Cut a new groove for the wire. If you don't, you will have a crushed wire and will probably have to rewire. Make sure the groove is big enough.

[misha]

There is one VERY IMPORTANT thing to do after you shorten your handle. Cut a new groove for the wire. If you don't, you will have a crushed wire and will probably have to rewire. Make sure the groove is big enough.

I think they were talking about cutting the other end


.

[DHCJr]

I think they were talking about cutting the other end

I think you are right, now that I reread it. Thank you

[akaiyuki]

Hah yes the other end :P
Thanks for the response. I guess now I will have to look into how I should go about sawing it hehehee.

[Purple Fencer]

Hah yes the other end :P
Thanks for the response. I guess now I will have to look into how I should go about sawing it hehehee.

Hacksaw and a file to round off the resulting edges.

[needle]

Hacksaw and a file to round off the resulting edges.

Yes, the aluminium alloy most of the grips are made of is really soft and doesn't take a lot of force to saw or file.