Italian foil purchase

[grayshen]

I have taken an interest in Italian foils because these foils fit more naturally to my wrist and hand. I have been researching different manufacturers, and I have come across a manufacturer called "Twin Arms Fencing (http://www.twinarmsfencing.com/)," and I wanted to know if this company is legitimate. I understand the negativity this forum has towards Italian foils, but I need the help of some of the more experienced fencers. I would appreciate it if my question is answered seriously, and people refrain from giving their opinions about Italian foils.

[fatfencer]

I remember talking to this crew in years past, like 5 years ago or something.

I will say that they might be heavier than say Rockwell or Negrini and so that plays into it.

Good luck with your purchase. All of the Italian grips out there are of some quality and will give you years of use.

Twin arms seems like straight shooters to me. Besides they are from my home state of WI so thats great.

FF

PS: These will have to be modified to fit USFA guidelines as the quillons are too long. they have to be shorter than the diameter of your bell guard. I use 120 cm bell. the max size.

[grayshen]

Thank you for your answer; however, I am not sure if we are talking about the same foil on their page. Here is a direct link to the foil "Italian Foil with a Standard Parkerized Grip and Pommel" http://www.twinarmsfencing.com/completeweapon.htm , because this image looks like (to me, anyway) the quillions are within the diameter of the bell. If it is the same image, I will ask for a 120 cm bell. If you have any advice on what I should ask the manufacture to equip, I would appreciate the input since the foil can be made to my needs.

[neevel]

Yes, Twin Arms is a legitimate business. Nick has practiced with my club over a couple of summers, and provided me with one of his first foils for evaluation. They are nicely finished and quite robustly made. The quillions of the standard grip fit within a 100 mm guard, so there's no need to go a 120 mm guard to be legal for competition. Aside from the grip, pommel, and quillions/false ricasso assembly (it's a single piece), everything about the weapon is standard so you can use whatever blade, guard, and socket you prefer.

-Dave

[fatfencer]

I think the photo just makes em look larger than they are. The rockwells definitely do require a bit of sanding. I have 4 of them and I just clipped them off.

FF

[kalivor]

I will ask for a 120 cm bell.

You might want to go for 120 mm. 120 cm would be rather ... large.