Armory Books?

[SohoFencer]

Greetings! I've recently decided to go into armory, and I thought investing in a book would be helpful. From what I've read on the forums/reviews people on the boards seems to recommend purchasing Merg's and Dr. Volkmann's book.

But which one? Which is better for beginners? Is either one better than the other? Is the approach different? Just any general info. would be good...Now, I know some of the people on here are biased towards one or the other (i.e. they wrote the book, know the person who wrote, or are taught by them) but I'm looking for unbiased opinions, please.

thanks.

[Purple Fencer]

Any bias aside because I SELL Mergs' book, I recommend his. I first learned from the Volkmann one, but Mergs' is a LOT more detailed and comprehensive. Some things Rudy just touches on Mergs dives into....and when you're doing armory, it's those little things that often trip you up.

[agyee95616]

The one I bought was Merg's. The diagrams and his style of writing is clear. I refer to it constantly as people around the club ask me to fix stuff. My only caveat is that there are some typos in the text -- the type of errors that a spell checker won't catch. But, I'm sure Mergs is catching them and fixing them.

[SJCFU#2]

Either book is probably fine for someone just getting started in the wacky world of armoring.

Merg's book may cost more however it covers a lot more material than Volkmann's and it's slightly more up-to-date (unless there is a 5th edition of Rudi's book out there of which I am unaware).

[Rick Shellhouse]

Ted Li's DVD is something I recommend to people just starting out as well.


R

[magic_moose]

I have both.
Go with Mergs' and you won't need to get the other.
It covers everything in Volkmann's and a lot more besides.

[ATL Fencer]

I've decided to take up armory recently as well. My instructor let me borrow the club's copy of Merg's ebook and I've found it to be extremely helpful, I'm currently tackling my first epee rewiring and I've found myself constantly refering back to it for help.

I know our club has Volkmann's book as well but I haven't gotten the chance to look at it yet, but I'll get back to you when I do!

Good luck!

[SJCFU#2]

Ted Li's DVD is something I recommend to people just starting out as well.

If you are one of those people who process information better by watching rather than reading you may also want to consider the Amory Basic Clinic disk available from Fencing.net (click here). It's broken into chapters so it is easier to watch selectively than Ted's video (which was originally made for videotape). However I would still recommend a good reference book as well - even Ted can only cover so much in an hour.

[Mergs]

.....My only caveat is that there are some typos in the text -- the type of errors that a spell checker won't catch. But, I'm sure Mergs is catching them and fixing them.

Hey! I are an Eng-a-neer, not an Eng-lish major! I try, but am working under a handicap.

Thanks all for the comments. And, yes, I'm a bit biased, but I think the comments, so far, are valid.

SoHo - does your name refer to Soho, NY, or Soho, London, or South Houston? You can PM me if you have any questions.

Best of luck.

[EdGardner]

Mergs book is excellent.

The ABC video is actually pretty useful too.

[Purple Fencer]

Hey! I are an Eng-a-neer, not an Eng-lish major! I try, but am working under a handicap.

*sigh*....officers....

[Mergs]

*sigh*....officers....

You were in the Air Farce! What yould you know about officers? back at you!

[Purple Fencer]

You were in the Air Farce! What yould you know about officers? back at you!

Hey...we were the smart service....we pack up OUR officers and send 'em out flying...away from us enlisted pukes so we can get some work done! again!