Foil cant?

[a.fencer]

hello
So recently I bought 2 electric foils (both StM one fie one non-fie) both right handed. When I received them i noticed that both of the blades were bent to the left (the fie bends more to the left than the other).

I was wondering if this is what a "cant" is? And is this normal? it is bent so much that the only 2 corners of base of the blade are touching the guard.

Also both blades I ordered are perfectly straight unlike the ones at my club which are bent downwards. Should I do somthing about this.

[foibles]

That's right. Your blades were canted a bit by the vendor. It's done to change the feel (balance) of the wep. A search will reveal several threads with additional info on this.

You may cant them a bit more or a bit less a bit down or not worry with it.

It's your call. It kind of a Season to Taste thing.

Also remember to put a nice overall downward bend in the entire blades as well.

Welcome to the threads!

[Purple Fencer]

The cant (or "set" in the UK) does 2 things...affects the feel of the blade (NOT the balance...what it does is affect how the blade pulls on your muscles....so the same blade may feel fine to you, but be tip heavy for me), and helps square the point up on an opponent (providing it's someone of the same hand and your hand is supinated i.e. palm up)

[a.fencer]

Also remember to put a nice overall downward bend in the entire blades as well.

What is the proper way to go about doing that?

[Purple Fencer]

What is the proper way to go about doing that?

Fence with it...

[foibles]

What is the proper way to go about doing that?

Your coach can show you.

Typically you can turn the wep upside down, place near the floor, and run your foot along the length to put a nice continual bend through the blade.

btw. Purp is correct. Technically, the weps balance point is not effected much, if at all, by canting.

That said, "balancing" the wep is a colloquial term often used interchangeably (if incorrectly) with the term "canting".

[Greybeard]

I have that issue as well. I can't hit anything.

[theLuz]

I have that issue as well. I can't hit anything.

it's not "can't", it's cant. I cant understand you.

[Inquartata]

In foil, that's a distinction without a difference.

[jeff]

Every time I see this thread title, I think "foil cant"? Foil cant do what?



a.fencer: bending the blade correctly is important for not getting the dreaded S-curve which can lead to the blade breaking. Make sure the bend is smooth without any kinks.