Good buy epee blades

[Edrahil]

Hi all.

I'm the new armorer at clemson, and im looking for new epee blades to replenish our depleted stash. Im looking for epee blades on a budget, meaning we can't get FIE blades (much to my dismay).

Im wondering what people think of Chevalier non-FIE blades. Are they worth the money, as a blade to use to practice with and as back-up competition blades.

Thanks

[JEC]

If you don't mind to buy from a UNC guy (Craig - Fencing Net Store) based on the recommendation from a Dukie (me)....

For a budget club, try StM non-FIE wired at $37.95
http://shop.fencing.net/StM_Wired_Ep...03stmstdsw.htm

Worse situation: $15 /bare blade
http://shop.fencing.net/Budget_Bare_.../fdn-34001.htm

Depending upon number of blades, Craig can give you a break.

[erooMynohtnA]

As JEC said, definitely go StM if you're on a budget.

The Chevalier are known to be fragile. So, no, they're no good for club blades.

[bobb121]

go dynamo if your on a budget. My first epee blade from tca lasted me for over two years before I sold it to the club, at which is was converting to fie for protection under advice from armourers at the broken non fie blades i had acquired. I'll never buy china made stuff again if I can help it.

[jfarmer]

If you don't mind to buy from a UNC guy (Craig - Fencing Net Store) based on the recommendation from a Dukie (me)....

For a budget club, try StM non-FIE wired at $37.95
http://shop.fencing.net/StM_Wired_Ep...03stmstdsw.htm

Worse situation: $15 /bare blade
http://shop.fencing.net/Budget_Bare_.../fdn-34001.htm

Depending upon number of blades, Craig can give you a break.

Another "Yes" vote for the StM's. If you get them wired from Craig, they have the LP tip, and I have to tell you that the basic LP tip is so much better than any other low cost tip I've tried.

My StM bladed epee has become my "go to" choice for both competition and teaching. (maybe I can sell the others & buy some more )

(From someone who went to both Vanderbilt and UTenn-Knoxville, and has a student considering Clemson...)

John Farmer
Coach, Oak Ridge Fencers Club

[HDG]

go dynamo if your on a budget. My first epee blade from tca lasted me for over two years before I sold it to the club, at which is was converting to fie for protection under advice from armourers at the broken non fie blades i had acquired. I'll never buy china made stuff again if I can help it.

I'll second the vote for dynamo.

[Guerre]

Also make sure to check the downstairs storage, there may still be a few viable blades. You will need to order at good number of wires, rewire, polish (those things are rusty), and possibly have to cut down a few french grips. Those things are old but they still have some life in them for a much cheaper cost than new blades. Otherwise, the StM and Dynamo suggestions are very solid.

[DangerMouse]

We use the StM as well. If you can get the money together, the non-fie Leon Paul will last forever and are the best durability for the money.

[Guerre]

We use the StM as well. If you can get the money together, the non-fie Leon Paul will last forever and are the best durability for the money.

The LP's are definitely the best bang for the buck, but due to the number of new fencers every year; its simply a matter of putting a durable weapon in as many hands as possible. Unfortunately the LP is twice the cost of an StM.

[CvilleFencer]

LP non-FIE if you can afford it. They will outlast on average most FIE blades. Other than that, I would go with StM blades. Most of the blades at my club are StM and they hold up very well. I would say they are the best of the budget blades. Also, as was said if you order them through Craig they will have the LP points, much better than the French points for comparable money.

Some day I hope to replace all the current epees with LP non-FIE blades and all the foils with Vniti blades. Until then, the StM blades are a great choice for the money and f.net is a great vendor to work with.

[Edrahil]

Thanks for your input. I think ive got the selection narrowed down to what we need with our budget.

Thanks all.

[jfarmer]

Some day I hope to replace all the current epees with LP non-FIE blades and all the foils with Vniti blades. Until then, the StM blades are a great choice for the money and f.net is a great vendor to work with.

Why the Vniti foils? I've just gotten some StM foil blades with the LP tip to try out with teaching & students.

John Farmer
Coach, Oak Ridge Fencers Club

[KD5MDK]

They're extremely durable, by all reports.

[wahrman]

The first blade I ever bought was a Vniti foil. It's over 2 years old and I still use regularly. It hasn't gone soft and still has the perfect bend in it.

They're extremely durable, by all reports.

[Guerre]

Durable yes, but the last two i had became excessively flicky and soft after a bad bend. From what ive heard the older batches did not have this problem. Despite the issue i would agree they are still pretty fantastic blades.