getting a bend in a french epee

[slosher]

Hey guys,

Wanted to try posting with a french epee (have a few blades lying around). I noticed that many epeeist put a considerable bend in the french handle itself for additional leverage, was wondering what specific french grips they were using and how they get that grip and the tang to bend.

Thanks in advance

[damianip]

I think we've been through this before, but here's my old answer about bending. It should save you time searching:

BTW this refers to the SchermaSport grip sold by Negrini and now, conveniently, by AFS.

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Helvetica, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Helvetica, Arial"><strong>
Yes, it is the same grip sold by Negrini: two piece pommel and probably the most expensive French (or any other) grip you can find.
Yes, you can bend the grip. I was afraid of doing it for the longest time but one day I really decided I needed more vertical offset in the grip (used to use a Prieur sabre grip on my épées).

As per some else's advice, I loosened the pommel a bit put it in a vise and bent the whole thing (grip and tang as one). I guess I always associated aluminum with "brittle", assuming that the grip was cast. I now think it might be forged as it appears to be reasonably ductile, although I wouldn't bend it repeatedly.

Actually, since the bend was introduced, the blade and grip assemble with much greater ease. However, FIE blades and blades with a long piece of unthreaded tang (the case with my Lammet blade) are still a little more difficult.</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Helvetica, Arial">Paolo

[D'Artagnan1673]

In the event I ever try to post, I have a two questions/requests.

1. Have my head examined <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" />

2. Since my instructor has never breathed a word of posting, is there an Epee book that goes into depth on the technique.

[Gav]

Oh yeah I remember this, I put up a thread "Milanoli's Grip" a while back and we had an entertaining talk on how to do it. I seem to remeber posting some whacky ideas and overly complicarted ideas.

Damianip: What do you do when the blade breaks and you need to get the grip onto another blade?

I've got a refurbished 'rescue' blade that I got off my old master [sadly retired] for free. I wouldn't care too much if it got mangled.

Does anyone in the uk know where I can get one of these expensive aluminium grips so that I can have a go? Do you get much more leverage?

[damianip]

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Helvetica, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Helvetica, Arial">Originally posted by Gav:
<strong>Oh yeah I remember this, I put up a thread "Milanoli's Grip" a while back and we had an entertaining talk on how to do it. I seem to remeber posting some whacky ideas and overly complicarted ideas.

Damianip: What do you do when the blade breaks and you need to get the grip onto another blade?

I've got a refurbished 'rescue' blade that I got off my old master [sadly retired] for free. I wouldn't care too much if it got mangled.

Does anyone in the uk know where I can get one of these expensive aluminium grips so that I can have a go? Do you get much more leverage?</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Helvetica, Arial">Gav,

Just (gently) unbend it the way you bent it. The critical bend that I put in the blade after the weapon is assembled is on the last bit of threaded tang that's sticking out.

Usually, I can finagle the blade in and out of the grip with only mild straightening of the grip.

If you pattern your replacement blade tang to the shape of the grip, you can usually wiggle it in. Then put the finishing touches on the grip/blade assembly afterward. The key is to do everything gently, in small increments.

BTW you can buy the grip directly from Negrini (http://www.negrini.com). I did, and I'm in the US.

Paolo

[Gav]

Damianip: Thanks for the advice, I'm currently sourcing the relevant grip direct from Negrini - the layout on the website atrocious!

BTW. Do you put 1 bend in the grip, or do you bend it into a S shape (as Milanoli's appears to be)?

[damianip]

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Helvetica, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Helvetica, Arial">Originally posted by Gav:
<strong>Damianip: Thanks for the advice, I'm currently sourcing the relevant grip direct from Negrini - the layout on the website atrocious!

BTW. Do you put 1 bend in the grip, or do you bend it into a S shape (as Milanoli's appears to be)?</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Helvetica, Arial">I have a slight "S" bend in my grip. One thing I found that the more extreme the bend is, the harder it is to repeat consistently. Also, be patient, it may take several tries to get the proper hand fit with the balance you desire.

The shape of the grip affects the balance more than one expect.

Good luck, and, remember, bend slowly and gently.

Paolo