more fencing-related homework

[Sloan24]

So I have a couple of new ideas.
1) how well would it work if I changed a pistol grip from the basic grip to more identical to a pistol (without the actual trigger)? i.e., Fashioning rings around where the fingers go for added control of the blade.

2) For hand/wrist protection, would it be better if I could make a blade that had the hilt of a rapier around the handle of an epee or a foil? i.e., Taking the hilt (I'm not sure if that's what it's called.... it's the rapier version of a bell guard) of a rapier, making it longer to cover the wrist completely instead of just the knuckles.

3) changing materials of fencing jackets etc so that the jacket will allow for more air flow when fencing, but still be just as durable and protective as the nylon/heavy cotton jackets available now



Any input on any or all of these ideas would be very helpful! I would greatly appreciate it

[Drew]

I think the largest market would be available for option number 3. However, the difficulties would lie in finding a material that would have the properties you discuss. Obviously, Gore-Tex is a breathable material, but I doubt that you could produce a fencing jacket that would be strong enough out of this material that wouldn't be too heavy, or expensive.

[Sloan24]

haha a fellow engineer!!! well...ok, so technically I'm not an engineer because I haven't gone to college (my high school's magnet is engineering) but still......

Hmm... I agree...It would be the most requested, I'm sure, but you're right- I wouldnt' be able to produce something like that...

What do you think about the possibility of the other two ideas?

[bunbury]

1. already done
2. "Sabre"
3. If people need more airflow then underarmour + top of the line uhlman... then they have a separate issue.

[oiuyt]

If I'm understanding what you're describing in #2 then it's an illegal modification. Check that section of the rulebook before you start changing the dimensions of the bellguard. There's really not much that you can do there while remaining in compliance. And certainly nothing that will increase the level of protection to the hand/wrist.

-B

[Purple Fencer]

And certainly nothing that will increase the level of protection to the hand/wrist.

-B

That's called a "parry"....

[ESLyon]

So I have a couple of new ideas.
1) how well would it work if I changed a pistol grip from the basic grip to more identical to a pistol (without the actual trigger)? i.e., Fashioning rings around where the fingers go for added control of the blade.

bunbury said it has already been done, but I don't see any advantage to this, it seems to me it would be a very weak grip.

2) For hand/wrist protection, would it be better if I could make a blade that had the hilt of a rapier around the handle of an epee or a foil? i.e., Taking the hilt (I'm not sure if that's what it's called.... it's the rapier version of a bell guard) of a rapier, making it longer to cover the wrist completely instead of just the knuckles.

Modification of the bell guard is illegal I'm pretty sure...

3) changing materials of fencing jackets etc so that the jacket will allow for more air flow when fencing, but still be just as durable and protective as the nylon/heavy cotton jackets available now

I think it would be hard to find a material so much better that it would make any significant difference without adding alot of costs. As stated, if you want this, fork over the bucks for a top-of-the line uniform. That being said if you could make a lighter, more breathable jacket that's just as durable and protective for a reasonable, competitive costs, you could probably make a nice lump of cash.