Quote:
Originally Posted by Alex_Paul I am counting the seconds before someone comes and tells me that I am wrong and blues are better/longer lasting/flickier/softer/more variable then gold/white because their coach/mate/dog/a fat bloke down the pub told them so! |
Alex, I must say, the Uhlmann stamped BF FIE blues are the best of the bunch. Why? Cause I "think" they are, and therefore they are better for me...
I think part of the problem is that the BF blades are so very random from batch to batch and even in the same batch. Vendors and armourers see tons of blades from the same vendor. Fencers generally see a very small number. We (vendors/armourers) are in a position to directly compare apples to apples and have a whole basket of apples to pick through to get our information. Most fencers see a handful of high end blades a year and those are usually from the same batch due to the way most vendors put in their orders.
I think a "blind taste test" is called for! Here is my proposal:
Test one:
1. Take a representative sample of fencers (say 5-10 from each weapon) and lead them one at a time to the testing area where the blades are out of view.
2. Blindfold the tester and hand him a blade. Let them swing it around a bit and judge what blade it is from the feel.
3. Repeat through the blade samples and then lead in the next fencer.
Controls: Blades must be out of sight to the current and waiting reviewers. Blades must be straight cant with identical guards/grips/sockets/tips/pads. Blades should be "average" samples from the manufacturers.
Test two:
Have a sampling of random BF White, Blue and Gold FIE blades and one non-FIE blade.
1. Lead blindolded fencer to the testing area and allow them to work with the blade a bit and then "determine" what "flavor" of blade it is.
2. Repeat through test subjects.
Controls: Same as above.
I would really, really love to see the results of this test. Might be a fun project to do at Sum Nats this year...