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twisterfencing · 05-30-2007, 12:31 AM

Guys - Gals - fencers - armorers

About 15 to 20 years ago, Dan DeChaine designed a very special armorers test weight. I cannot remember if he built it or had it built, yet I am looking to buy one. There were about 30 of these weights made years ago and I know the where abouts of about 4 to 5 of them.

If you have ever seen the brass weight I am talking about, you will know it. I collect test weights (sick I know) and wanted to add this one to my collection.

I know this is a shot in the dark, yet wanted to make the attempt.

If you know of anyone that might have one, let me know. I am willing to pay top dollar for it to add to my collection.

Gary Spruill

jfarmer · 05-31-2007, 03:40 AM

Ok, I have to ask, what's special about it?

John Farmer
Coach, Oak Ridge Fencers Club

DHCJr · 05-31-2007, 07:07 PM

It is a combi-weight that does 3 things not 2. It is a Foil weight and a Epee Weight as well as being a lame' weight.

There is also a Byrnes weight that was designed to honor Joe and what his feelings on what a weight should look like. This was based on one of his many great articles in American Fencing Magazine.

Purple Fencer · 05-31-2007, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DHCJr

It is a combi-weight that does 3 things not 2. It is a Foil weight and a Epee Weight as well as being a lame' weight.

There is also a Byrnes weight that was designed to honor Joe and what his feelings on what a weight should look like. This was based on one of his many great articles in American Fencing Magazine.

Is that the .357 caliber one??

DHCJr · 06-01-2007, 12:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Purple Fencer

Is that the .357 caliber one??

If there was one such, it would probably be called a Purdy weight. Our first Olympic Armorer, Ed was also noted for his expertise with firearms.

twisterfencing · 06-01-2007, 08:47 AM

Sam, no this is not the 9mm that I make. Its the one that Dan uses.

Gary

Quote:

Originally Posted by Purple Fencer

Is that the .357 caliber one??

twisterfencing · 06-01-2007, 10:10 AM

Donald,

I make a weight that Scott sells. Its a foil/epee/lame weight. I fasten bullet caps (9mm or 380) to the 250 gram end and the actual bullet to the 500 gram end. When done, it is exactly 750 grams. Looks cool too.

This is what Sam is talking about.

Gary Spruill

Quote:

Originally Posted by DHCJr

If there was one such, it would probably be called a Purdy weight. Our first Olympic Armorer, Ed was also noted for his expertise with firearms.

Nmfencer · 06-24-2007, 02:03 AM

I can't be entirely sure, but I believe an armourer here in the Rocky Mountain Division has one. It was made of brass, was a combo foil/epee weight, and he and I (I'm an armourer in training... don't have my own testing stuff yet) were using it to test at the Albuquerque (Div II/III?) NAC. Again.. I am not entirely sure, but I think it may be. I believe the name is Rocky.

twisterfencing · 06-25-2007, 11:20 PM

Nmfencer:
Yes, his name is Rocky Sorenson. He is what I consider one of my best friends. The weight he uses I made for him. Not the one I am looking for.

Thanks for thinking of this for me.

Gary Spruill

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nmfencer

I can't be entirely sure, but I believe an armourer here in the Rocky Mountain Division has one. It was made of brass, was a combo foil/epee weight, and he and I (I'm an armourer in training... don't have my own testing stuff yet) were using it to test at the Albuquerque (Div II/III?) NAC. Again.. I am not entirely sure, but I think it may be. I believe the name is Rocky.

Nmfencer · 06-25-2007, 11:59 PM

Well, sorry I didn't find you one! Rocky's a good guy idn't he?

UKExPat · 06-26-2007, 12:28 AM

I'm not quite clear on which one is being mentioned here as the weight you're looking for, I have a bit of a weight problem myself and would be happy to help a fellow collector if I can.

twisterfencing · 06-26-2007, 06:45 PM

UKExPat:

I think Donald explaines it best below. It is a special combo weight that only a certain number of them were made. Its a great weight and a one of a kind collectors item.

Gary Spruill

Quote:

Originally Posted by DHCJr

It is a combi-weight that does 3 things not 2. It is a Foil weight and a Epee Weight as well as being a lame' weight.

There is also a Byrnes weight that was designed to honor Joe and what his feelings on what a weight should look like. This was based on one of his many great articles in American Fencing Magazine.

fencerbill · 06-26-2007, 07:45 PM

I will be glad to contribute one of my water bottle Lame testers to your collection.

Used under SEMI supervision at 5 World Championships.

GypsyScot · 06-27-2007, 02:55 PM

Visit the Absolute Table at Nationals, we made a few from one Dan gave us, I'm not sure how many but I believe they're even brass.

twisterfencing · 06-27-2007, 05:12 PM

Bill,

You and I worked a meet together 5 or 6 years ago and I will admit, I saw your water bottle weight and thought it was such a good idea, I made up some of my own. I use them when I work college events and the kids say "can I keep this weight". Doing it this way keeps my out of pocket expense to a small amout.

Short story: I like the water bottle weight you came up with.

Gary Spruill

Quote:

Originally Posted by fencerbill

I will be glad to contribute one of my water bottle Lame testers to your collection.

Used under SEMI supervision at 5 World Championships.

twisterfencing · 06-27-2007, 05:16 PM

GypsyScot:

From your name above, I am going to guess this is Gary?????

True?

Gary Spruill

Quote:

Originally Posted by GypsyScot

Visit the Absolute Table at Nationals, we made a few from one Dan gave us, I'm not sure how many but I believe they're even brass.

GypsyScot · 06-28-2007, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twisterfencing

GypsyScot:
From your name above, I am going to guess this is Gary?????
True?

Gary Spruill

Oh no, this is Rich.
But, I'm an admirer of your work just the same.

fencerbill · 06-28-2007, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twisterfencing

Bill,

You and I worked a meet together 5 or 6 years ago and I will admit, I saw your water bottle weight and thought it was such a good idea, I made up some of my own. I use them when I work college events and the kids say "can I keep this weight". Doing it this way keeps my out of pocket expense to a small amout.

Short story: I like the water bottle weight you came up with.

Gary Spruill

Working the PdT this past weekend I was reminded of the advantage of being able to hold it about 8 inches from the point of contact. You can cover more area faster by waving it back and forth than you can with a Foil weight type where you have to move your arm and hand.

And so much lighter to transport between jobs.

twisterfencing · 06-28-2007, 04:48 PM

Thank you Rich.

Gary Spruill

Quote:

Originally Posted by GypsyScot

Oh no, this is Rich.
But, I'm an admirer of your work just the same.

MyrddinsPrecint · 07-01-2007, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fencerbill

Working the PdT this past weekend I was reminded of the advantage of being able to hold it about 8 inches from the point of contact. You can cover more area faster by waving it back and forth than you can with a Foil weight type where you have to move your arm and hand.

And so much lighter to transport between jobs.

A couple years ago we were cleaning out the Smith College lockers and neatening up. In the area of testing/fixing stuff area, we found one, and the people cleaning that area were confused. They showed it to me, and I blanked (even though I'd see them multiple times). Fortunately, Telk was there (fluke of fate), and he remembered. From that moment on, the team members present thought he was really really smart. (Silly them!)