FWF vs. Uhlmann Hardware

[XanderHal]

Hey all,

The situation: Building a second epee and having a hard time trying to figure out where to get the parts from. My first epee has all uhlmann hardware (tip and socket). I'm really happy with both so far.

My problem: I'd like to get some replacement hardware for my old tip (screws etc.) when I place the order parts for the new one.

BG has all uhlmann stuff so I could place my order with them.
F.net has FANTASTIC prices on blades. If I get a blade wired with a FWF tip, will screws etc., be interchangeable between the FWF and Uhlmann tip?

Also, any comments on the FWF socket? I really like my Uhlmann one.

I'd rather order everything from one place to cut down on shipping.

Thanks,

Xander

[SJCFU#2]

You're probably safe using FWF replacement parts - the company behind FWF was the primary supplier for Uhlmann and Allstar before they (Uhlmann/Allstar) decided to outsource production to China.

In fact most manufacturer's épée parts tend to be compatible with others (foil is another matter). The one exception you should be aware of is Leon Paul screws - they fit better (which is why people sometime use a LP screw with a French or German tip that is otherwise loosing screws) however once you use a LP screw you can't go back to German or French.

[HDG]

Originally Posted by SJCFU#2

once you use a LP screw you can't go back to German or French.

Once you go Union Jack you can never go back?

[CvilleFencer]

Originally Posted by HDG

Once you go Union Jack you can never go back?

I used to think that it was because the LP screws were harder and machined in such a way that they sort of rethreaded the softer French and German tips. Mergs pointed out to me that they are actually just a different class/type/cut of screw. Hopefully he will post it again since I probably did not get that exactly right...

Regardless, generally speaking once you put in an LP screw, that tip will not reliably hold a German or French screw. However, if you have a point that is shedding standard German or French screws, you can usually fix it by replacing both screws with LP. It is a good idea to mark the barrel with a sharpy or something though to make sure you can tell at a glance what type of screws you have in there if you don't go with LP screws for all weapons.

[Craig]

Originally Posted by XanderHal

F.net has FANTASTIC prices on blades. If I get a blade wired with a FWF tip, will screws etc., be interchangeable between the FWF and Uhlmann tip?

Xander,

Thanks for the comment.

FWF is what made Uhlmann the Uhlmann you remember and love.

A couple of years ago Uhlmann moved a lot of production away from the Rosler-Fechtsport factory which prompted Rosler to start up the FWF line of products. If you search the forums you'll find some historical info on that.

If you're happy with you're Uhlmann parts, then you'll be really happy with the FWF parts. All of it is manufactured in Germany and we carry a good bit of their stuff along with Leon Paul.

To answer your compatibility question - the FWF parts will work with the Uhlmann parts as they are made to the same spec. The FWF parts are made to tighter tolerences. (In fact, the LP epee tips will work in the FWF or Uhlmann barrels as well.)

Cheers,
Craig

[piste off]

Originally Posted by XanderHal

Also, any comments on the FWF socket? I really like my Uhlmann one.

I thought that the two were basically the same, so bought some of each this year.

The FWFs are significantly better in that the metal that holds the plug is stiffer. I found the Uhlmann's bent way too easy which was not ideal.

Rick

[twisterfencing]

In regards to german parts: stick with FWF parts.

Promise, you will have less headachs.

Gary Spruill

[Purple Fencer]

Originally Posted by twisterfencing

In regards to german parts: stick with FWF parts.

Promise, you will have less headachs.

Especially since they fixed the denting foil barrel/smushed foil screw problem