What fencing supplier do you use

[Katman]

I've used Blue Gauntlet and The Fencing Post.

Blue Gauntlet was my original vendor of choice, but after recieving a pre-kinked FIE blade in the mail from them I switched to The Fencing Post. They were nice over the phone and helped me fix an order that was screwed up once.

Now that I'm over on the east coast I've been thinking of trying out Aboslute. I hear good things about them.

[twisterfencing]

#1 - Swordmasters

I also buy from all other vendors and wanted to say that all of them are the greatest folks you would ever want to know.

[Purple Fencer]

Originally Posted by twisterfencing

#1 - Swordmasters

I also buy from all other vendors and wanted to say that all of them are the greatest folks you would ever want to know.

*sniff* you haven't bought from me yet....'course, I HAVE bought from you!

[Craig]

I generally find that there is strong regional loyalty to different vendors.

There is something to be said for being able to go into a shop or even warehouse location and try stuff on and touch and feel the products. (We get a lot of people setting up appointments to come by our Atlanta location.)

There is also a good bit of buying based on location - if you have the same product selection and one can get it to you tomorrow and the other will take a week, most people will go with the vendor that can get it to them faster.

Right now, the national vendor marketspace looks very saturated (actually, a little over-saturated based on NAC participation.) As fencing grows, there will be more room for regional players to move in to support their local markets, and then those may grow into serving larger markets.

Craig

[noodle]

Originally Posted by Craig

I generally find that there is strong regional loyalty to different vendors.

There is something to be said for being able to go into a shop or even warehouse location and try stuff on and touch and feel the products. (We get a lot of people setting up appointments to come by our Atlanta location.)

not having to pay shipping is a huge incentive

[Purple Fencer]

Originally Posted by Craig

Right now, the national vendor marketspace looks very saturated (actually, a little over-saturated based on NAC participation.) As fencing grows, there will be more room for regional players to move in to support their local markets, and then those may grow into serving larger markets.

That's kinda why I have no plans to do national level events....I'll let the big boys fight it out for now. When i have a sufficient supply of my own gear I'[ll consider it.

Plus the table fees are way outta my range....l'll stick with my current set up for now -- servicing local divisional and sectional events within 200 mjiles from home (with the occasional farther trip)....those folks never saw a vendor on a regular basis until I started coming out.

[outlawsteveoaos]

for my personal equipment absolute and leon paul supply various parts for my weapons. then my fencing kit i rely on leon paul for. i like absolute because i can walk in and they will help me get exactly what i need. and leon paul is great b/c like their equipment.

after working with a few vendors, club purchases are now strictly with absolute. out of the three or four very large purchase orders we've placed with them, we haven't been dissapointed.

outlaw steveo aos

[twisterfencing]

Originally Posted by Purple Fencer

*sniff* you haven't bought from me yet....'course, I HAVE bought from you!

Sam,

You know me. I don't buy gloves (which yours are really cool!) or masks and what nots. I buy more stuff like lame material, or timing chips and so on.

You have anything I may need, let me know.

I'm in.

Gary Spruill

[Seanie Tyrone]

I've been very happy with Triplette.

[fatfencer]

Two places actually.

When I make large orders or when I have a spare brain cell and actually plan things(i.e. order in advance of needing them YESTERDAY) I order from Triplette. Not only do they have the best prices on just about anything but they have a huge selection.

Great folks. Great prices AND they make their own FIE jackets and knickers. I don't typically buy American products(not just fencing but ANY) as by and large they are crappily made and have little warranty behind them. Triplette is the exception. If i ever were dissatisfied with their stuff they would make it right for sure.
Heads up folks, come the 1st quarter of the year they will have some new FIE stuff. Call them more details. Mine's already on back order.



Since I fence on the West Coast primarily I can count on H.O.M. Fencing for all my piecemeal needs, especially at tournaments, etc. AND he has the best tip tape(many different colors to choose from).

Sam is a fencer; I know he won't sell me crap. He is an innovator. He evaluates his products from an armorer's perspective. If its well engineered he'll sell it. I use his gloves exclusively. His dyneema gloves are the shiznit.

Sam's also got great prices too.

What little else I do usually goes to f.net as I like to support them however I can. Craig has done us all a marvelous service and deserves to be rewarded.

There ya go...Fatfencer's seal of approval.

FF

[Purple Fencer]

Originally Posted by fatfencer

Sam is a fencer; I know he won't sell me crap.

That's 'cause I'm still trying to get good refinances out of you!

[hpfencing]

Originally Posted by Purple Fencer

That's kinda why I have no plans to do national level events....I'll let the big boys fight it out for now. When i have a sufficient supply of my own gear I'[ll consider it.

Plus the table fees are way outta my range....l'll stick with my current set up for now -- servicing local divisional and sectional events within 200 mjiles from home (with the occasional farther trip)....those folks never saw a vendor on a regular basis until I started coming out.

I've enjoyed working with you and you have help us a lot with the gloves for our area clubs. Great prices and gear with the quality of no other. I would not be suprised if you don't move into the national market soon.

I know we will be buying from you in the near future.

[Larrison]

Suppliers I use are:

Fencing Post -- good prices, good selection, and nice folks. Bought from them at the LBI and even done the hour long drive down to their place to try on jackets to get the right one.

HOM -- Sam's a good supplier, and I've bought a bunch of stuff from him at tournaments. Always quality stuff. I like his new stuff, and am looking for an excuse to buy some of his new body cords and gloves. (except the last set I bought from him about a year ago is still working fine !!)