Vniti FIE or STM FIE???? =D

[Illuminati]

Hey Illuminati here again. =D This is just a simple question dat i would like to know about. Should i use a Vniti FIE or STM FIE blade for my foil? (even say if you think another type of blade is better than vniti or stm *explain too* lol) i would really appreciate your help. Also tell me whyy and what makes each one sooo good or bad. Tell me about your experiences with each blade and the 'properties' of each when compared. Thank you. Also herez my website if your interested, have any questions, share your thoughts, sign up as a member, or is just curious: http://elitefencers.ning.com/

[trafl926]

Vniti all the way! Stiff where it needs to be and flicking where it needs to be. Off the line it is flicking and that only gets better with age. One of the most durable blades out there, the things are built like tanks!

[forethought]

Both?

I have one of each, and if I fence someone who I know is just going to rush me like an amorous bull, I'll pick my StM, because it's stiff like a piece of rebar, but if I want to have some fun, I'll pick my Vniti.

FWIW, my Vniti feels lighter than my StM.

[Guymelef]

I like Vnitis both in foil and epee. They are the most reliable blades I have ever fenced with and will forgive even the worst fencing form, namely mine. When they do eventually break it is a nice, clean snap at the foible so they are pretty safe too.

If you are interested in process metallurgy and how the Vnitis are forged and quenched, search out Tom Ciccarone. Vniti usese a special chemical steam to quench the blade and give it that distinctive, corrosion-resistant gunmetal coating. You can find him at a NAC or if you're ever up in Connecticut at Candlewood FC.

[sertafu]

Originally Posted by Guymelef

I like Vnitis both in foil and epee. They are the most reliable blades I have ever fenced with and will forgive even the worst fencing form, namely mine. When they do eventually break it is a nice, clean snap at the foible so they are pretty safe too.

If you are interested in process metallurgy and how the Vnitis are forged and quenched, search out Tom Ciccarone. Vniti usese a special chemical steam to quench the blade and give it that distinctive, corrosion-resistant gunmetal coating. You can find him at a NAC or if you're ever up in Connecticut at Candlewood FC.

Interesting. I had always just assumed they were made from melted Soviet-era tanks. I got the impression that they are heavier than BF or LP blades, which I intend to try when my Vniti epees/foil break. Unfortunately, I still haven't been able to break them through 2 years of regular use.

[Guymelef]

Originally Posted by sertafu

Interesting. I had always just assumed they were made from melted Soviet-era tanks. I got the impression that they are heavier than BF or LP blades, which I intend to try when my Vniti epees/foil break. Unfortunately, I still haven't been able to break them through 2 years of regular use.

I don't think the Ukranians are melting-down their tanks. They need them, especially with the Russians on their current kick of "hey, let's get the empire back together." These days that presents something of a dilemma: Vniti has forges both in Ukraine--a struggling, free state trying to shake its Soviet bounds--and St. Petersburg, Russia--needs no explanation.

You are right, they are among the heftier blades out there. Extended-grip epeeists prefer the much lighter LP blades. The LPs can be tricked-out further by putting on the carbon-fiber modified French grip from LP; this makes for an almost gossamer weapon.

[Pescados666]

I prefer a nice BF Goodrich... I find the wear to be nice on them. Lasted 2 years of use so far. >_>

[Nolano]

Originally Posted by Guymelef

I don't think the Ukranians are melting-down their tanks. They need them, especially with the Russians on their current kick of "hey, let's get the empire back together." These days that presents something of a dilemma: Vniti has forges both in Ukraine--a struggling, free state trying to shake its Soviet bounds--and St. Petersburg, Russia--needs no explanation.

You are right, they are among the heftier blades out there. Extended-grip epeeists prefer the much lighter LP blades. The LPs can be tricked-out further by putting on the carbon-fiber modified French grip from LP; this makes for an almost gossamer weapon.

Vniti's USED to be made from old tanks. They're not anymore.

[Guymelef]

Originally Posted by Nolano

Vniti's USED to be made from old tanks. They're not anymore.

I have two points. The first is basic grammar. I was responding to this statement:

Originally Posted by sertafu

I had always just assumed they were made from melted Soviet-era tanks.

This is past-imperfect, i.e. Vniti did melt-down Soviet-era tanks in the past and continue to do so at this moment. Thus, my statement that the Ukrainians are not melting down anymore in the interest of national defense is logical.

Second is basic metallurgy. Tank armor is made of higher-carbon steel with additions of alloying elements. The alloying elements are difficult to control when re-processing into a specialty steel, such as the maraging steel in blades. So specialty blades are made from high-purity steel, which are easier to process. It is possible to use a tank to make a blade, but highly inefficient.

[Alex_Paul]

Originally Posted by Nolano

Vniti's USED to be made from old tanks. They're not anymore.

but they are still made in a machine that was designed to make drive shafts for military vehicles!

[Nolano]

Originally Posted by Alex_Paul

but they are still made in a machine that was designed to make drive shafts for military vehicles!

Now that I did not know. Very resourceful use of old machinery.

[Purple Fencer]

Originally Posted by Alex_Paul

but they are still made in a machine that was designed to make drive shafts for military vehicles!

Vniti....strong like tank!!!