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D'Artagnan1673 · 02-13-2008, 11:11 AM

Good morning,

I painted my mask over the holidays and I am curious of your reaction. I am not necessarily seeking approval in terms of how good or bad it looks; I know my own limitations in art and my wife did the fleur de lis on the side. I am more interested in your reaction to my design.

My reason for asking is because I have not fenced in several years, but I plan to return to fencing once I complete my B.A. this semester. No one at my club or my region has seen the design, and I am unsure how it will be taken.

For those who do not recognize this, which I expect should be the majority, this is a representation of the coat of arms of the Kingdom of Jerusalem (i.e. the Crusader States).

Your input is appreciated,

matt9476 · 02-13-2008, 11:20 AM

I think it looks good. I especially like the Fleur de Lis on the side. I always like painted masks, but I'll bet you're going to run into a lot of people on this site who will lambaste you for doing it.

Beloit Fencer of Old · 02-13-2008, 11:25 AM

I think it looks great! I wouldn't compete in a mask that looks like that, however. For one thing, it will draw lots of attention (which you may like). For another, your mask looks old enough that it may not provide the protection you need. How well has it been stored over the years? I would have a qualified armorer look at it before I used it to protect my eyes and brain. Granted, it's an old Uhlmann FIE, so it started out top-notch. But it's worth checking.

TBean · 02-13-2008, 01:11 PM

It looks like nice work. People do decorate thier masks, my last sticker read "stupidity should be painful."

If this is what you want then it is what you should do. I will tell you honestly that a large number of fencers will not take you overly seriously on the strip. My personal history with those who have painted masks bears this standpoint out but I am experienced enough to know that it is not always the case. Just be aware that it is an attitude you will face and possibly even be able to exploit.

Again, it is a great design and the mask looks good.

D'Artagnan1673 · 02-13-2008, 01:45 PM

From my previous experience on this site, I was aware many would lift an eyebrow to using a painted mask in tournaments. I have certainly considered the psychological effect, and that is part of my concern. Even in my heyday I was hardly of the calibre to pull it off. Nonetheless, I counter-argue that those who knew me (me, not my skill level), if they still fence, would think it not out of place.

Wow, I never thought anyone would call my mask old!

She's a circa 2002 FIE model that has seen about 3.5 years of intense use due to how much I sweat. The mask has always been kept in a climate controlled closet while not in use. I may have fenced in the mask under 10 times since summer 2005.

TBean · 02-13-2008, 02:19 PM

Which matters more to you - how you will be perceived at a tournament or doing something in-keeping with your character. If A, repaint the mask black or buy one for competitions. If B, leave it as is.

D'Artagnan1673 · 02-13-2008, 02:20 PM

LOL - I don't forsee myself in a tournament for 6 months to 1 year. I think I'll have plenty of time to chew on this one. Thanks for the input.

KD5MDK · 02-13-2008, 04:09 PM

I'll be watching for you.

D'Artagnan1673 · 02-13-2008, 04:09 PM

What weapon do you fence?

OROD · 02-14-2008, 09:10 PM

I think it looks pretty nice, you should definitely wear it.

.

Inquartata · 02-20-2008, 02:43 AM

It's...very SCA.

If you wear it, do so with a coif, a doublet and perhaps a cape...

D'Artagnan1673 · 02-20-2008, 05:06 PM

Nice to see you too after all of these years!

Drifter · 02-22-2008, 10:01 AM

I've no comment on the design itself, (tho I'd guess most fencers views will be similar to Inq's), but I hope you like the taste of paint chips. You're going to be literally inhaling them every time you fence. I've experienced paint chiping on plain old black masks and it gets very old very quickly. I've no doubt that mask will result in great flecks of gold and white showing up on your face periodically after you've fenced.

D'Artagnan1673 · 02-22-2008, 10:15 AM

My mask has been painted since 2005 (just a simpler design). I continued fencing regularly for 6 months and have fenced on a very rare basis since then. I have never smealt the paint or had it fleck in my face. I am using the acryllic stuff, and its done a good job in the past.

Thanks, however, for the mise en guard.

Nmfencer · 02-22-2008, 11:06 AM

I just wish I had the artistic ability to do that myself. I think it's a great design. Kudos! Hope I get to see it in person one day.

D'Artagnan1673 · 02-24-2008, 12:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nmfencer

I just wish I had the artistic ability to do that myself. I think it's a great design. Kudos! Hope I get to see it in person one day.

Thanks for the compliment; it really wasn't that hard. Its just a bunch of straight lines. The only difficult part is ensuring everything is proportionate and that the smaller crosses are in proper relation to one another.

JEC · 02-24-2008, 01:53 PM

Jeremy,

Welcome back! Nice mask.

JEC

swordsen · 02-24-2008, 02:41 PM

I like it. I think people should be able to register a design with the USFA and use it exclusively. Yes, our very own coat of arms. And no, I don't fence in the SCA.

Inquartata · 02-24-2008, 04:39 PM

We should all wear those little flagpoles on our backs, like Japanese ashigaru, too---with our overlord's flags fluttering from them as we fence...

Black Sunshine · 02-24-2008, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Inquartata

We should all wear those little flagpoles on our backs, like Japanese ashigaru, too---with our overlord's flags fluttering from them as we fence...

Now that would be hot! Sadly, It would turn into multiple "Leon Paul flags are better than Absolute's flags" threads.