bored and browsing for equipment

[135711]

[Kodiak Kid]

Does anybody else notice that a LOT of these posts are somewhat surrealistic? Like we should all be assuming that there is someone else involved in a conversation, perhaps just off screen, so we can't quite hear them but are left to assume they may be actually making a point about something?

Maybe it's like an online journal entry or something. Something the rest of us were never really intended to see anyway....

Maybe I'm starting to understand now.... THAT'S a scary thought!

[Inquartata]

"Such is Mango!"

[Artisan]

Originally posted by 135711
bored and browsing for equipment, i looked at pbt [again], i'm tempted to buy a new bag: here's what i'm looking for:

guitar shape, or teardrop shape, a thicker waterproof vinyl with several outside pockets, one that would hold a few tools, and a few for other little things, then in the inside, built in 'sleeves' for the weapon so that they don't get wrecked up so much. i like the over the shoulder one, because it keeps me from carrying too much junk when i go to class. i like the way your pbt epee looks and want to buy one, the bell sounds ideal, i've been shopping for a lightweight bell.

look at the blue gauntlet bags...good value.

[MikeHarm]

If you want a great value check out the hardcover golf cases, I bought one for $50 new that would of probably run me $150+ if it was labeled a hardcover fencing wheelbag.

[Kodiak Kid]

I saw a hardcase fencing/golf bag on e-bay the other day brand new for $50. Looked like a good deal but didn't bid on it. Talked to a guy at tournament a couple days later and he had the same model that cost him $90 + shipping...

Fencing in Alaska seems to be mirroring the lower 48 states in that we are having a resurgence in Youth fencing. We've got some good talent at J.O.'s today and a strong team of adults/kids going to Sectionals (or whatever it is). Obviously I'm not one of 'em.....
We are also looking at having a State tournament here in Kodiak in September! WHoo-Hooo! It's such a ***** to travel around the state to hit all the tournaments. BIG territory.

As far as Kodiak employment goes, I just heard about a great job for somebody that is into remote living and saving money. Wouldn't be much for fencing though. There's a logging camp looking for an office type worker, they're looking for a diesel mechanic and also an all around handy man/maintenance person. You'd be working 6 days a week, room and board included and absolutely no place to spend your money. ( Bunk house gambling maybe...)

Afognak Island is home to some of the biggest bears and most beautiful scenery in the world. It would be a very remote living experience... 5 year contract.

[MikeHarm]

I've heard enough horror stories about Alaskan jobs that people lured over there told me of that I'd not work there no matter what pay was offered.

[Kodiak Kid]

"Wait until I'm a veteran..." ???

The wait has been over a long time ago. Beats the alternative though....

If I could ever figure out how to post a pic with this thing....


As far as working in Alaska goes... it's more like LIVING in Alaska and then the work thing is secondary. I could work in any town in any state in the union if I chose to. I've made my choice and feel priviledged to be here. It's true you have to give up a few things that can be had in a more metropolitan area, but what you get in return is far more valuable. At least to me and most of the other people that have made the same choice.

God Bless America!


As far as the mask goes---- Good luck!

Hmmm, looks like we've got 3 threads in one here. Who started this anyway?

Oh. That's right.

Nevermind.

[lfortier]

You should look at Blue Gauntlet- they have pretty high quality, yet inexpensive gear (when compared to PBT or any other place). They have a bag that is exactly what you described. Check them out sometime.

[lfortier]

Well I'm glad I helped a bit, but is it really neccessary to spend more money than you need to on brand name gear (like FIE)? Why get a $160 mask, when Blue Gaunlet has them for $50? Do you just need expensive equipment when you reach a certain level fencing? Well I hope everything works out fine for and you get whatever you're looking for. PS if you're unsure about sizing on anything, just call the company and ask how the measuring is done. Good luck!

[Dav3ey]

Originally posted by lfortier
...is it really neccessary to spend more money than you need to on brand name gear (like FIE)? Why get a $160 mask, when Blue Gaunlet has them for $50?

Just to be clear, the FIE (i.e., the Federation Internationale d'Escrime) isn't a brand name like Allstar, Uhlmann, Leon Paul or Prieur. It's the organization that oversees international fencing.

An "FIE" piece of equipment is one that has been "homologated", or made with a process that has been approved and yields equipment that will pass certain tests (e.g., a 1600 newton punch test for a mask). Non-FIE stuff is fine but not as good. And, to a certain extent, not as safe.

While no set of equipment can prevent all injuries, and regular equipment is just fine for average circumstances, homologated equipment is the best.

For some folks it takes an equipment failure before they make the switch. For me it was getting hit in the mask with a broken foil blade. Neither the blade not my mask were FIE. The blade broke with a jagged tip and hit my mask breaking two of the wires. Could have gone through.

In my mind, the $110 diffence (if that is indeed what it is, although it may be less) is worth it, at least for the mask. I mean, hey, I don't know about you, but I'm single and I can't afford to get any uglier!

[JEC]

Originally posted by Dav3ey
Just to be clear ...
An "FIE" piece of equipment is one that has been "homologated", or made with a process that has been approved and yields equipment that will pass certain tests (e.g., a 1600 newton punch test for a mask). Non-FIE stuff is fine but not as good. And, to a certain extent, not as safe.

From the Rules:
m25
7.Mask.
The mask must be made with meshes (space between the wires)of maximum 2.1 mm and from wires with a minimum gauge of 1 mm diameter.
Masks, at all weapons, must be made in accordance with the safety standards described in Appendix A to these Rules and must carry the quality label specified in those standards.
When the checks are carried out the person responsible for them may, if in doubt, ensure that the mesh of the mask, both at the front and at the sides, is able to withstand, without permanent deformation, the introduction into the mesh of a conical instrument, the angle of the surface of the cone being at 4° to the axis and at a pressure of 12 kg.
A mask which does not comply with the safety requirements laid down in this article will be rendered visibly unusable by the weapon checking personnel or the Referee in the presence of the person who presented the mask to the weapon check or the team captain of the fencer concerned.
The bib of the mask must be made with cloth resistant to 1600 Newtons.

[Dav3ey]

Thanks.

I stand by the rest. I don't need 12 kilograms mashing my face either.

[Bob Farrow]

Originally posted by Kodiak Kid
As far as working in Alaska goes... it's more like LIVING in Alaska and then the work thing is secondary. I could work in any town in any state in the union if I chose to. I've made my choice and feel priviledged to be here. It's true you have to give up a few things that can be had in a more metropolitan area, but what you get in return is far more valuable. At least to me and most of the other people that have made the same choice.

God Bless America!

I'll have to second Kodiak Kid on living (and working) in Alaska. My family and I spent 4 1/2 years in Kodiak and absolutely loved the area and the people (and as an added bonus - Kodiak Kid introduced me to fencing and now I'm hooked).

About ten months ago we changed islands (from Kodiak to O`ahu) but even with the warm Hawaiian weather, we often think back to the good times we had living in Alaska. And as K.K. mentioned, you do give up a lot, but the life experience is well worth it!

Bob Farrow

PS: Jeff - when are you coming back out our way again?

[pkt]

all,

i scanned the thread, here's my 2-bit worth:

Some o fyou might remember me going on about PBT sabre mask as no good since one of our juniors' mask rusted in one month. The question by th esupplier was: Does he have long hair? The answer was, "Yes." Q.E.D.

Well, irt turned out that the particular sabre mask he got had non-stailess steel mash. Since he's a muscian ... he keeps his hair long. Ergo, rusted mesh.

So, word of advice for the ladies and guys w/ long hair, get a mask with stainless steel mesh.

2nd hint:
those of you using pointy weapons, and a guitar-shaped weapon bag, or any weapon bag and want to keep the point from getting screwed up in the bag, put a plastic container in the bag to prevent the weapons from 'testing' the material.

Of course, those of you who really care about the point would have a rubber hose for each weapon, in which case ignore my previous advice.

Enjoy and salom,

PK

[KBayDog]

How is the fencing scene on Oahu? I lived there for 4 1/2 years P.F. (Pre-Fencing) in the Kailua area. I shall return.

[JEC]

Originally posted by KBayDog
How is the fencing scene on Oahu? I lived there for 4 1/2 years P.F. (Pre-Fencing) in the Kailua area. I shall return.

I am actually in a convention at Oahu. Yesterday, I was driving to Kailua (I-83 or 63), when I reach the "T" to Honolulu vs to Kailua, there is a small park. We spotted there a group of 20 or so SCA fencers in full gear.

[Bob Farrow]

Originally posted by KBayDog
How is the fencing scene on Oahu? I lived there for 4 1/2 years P.F. (Pre-Fencing) in the Kailua area. I shall return.

I fence with Salle Honolulu (http://pages.prodigy.net/chock/ - somewhat outdated info but moving soon to http://www.bladewriter.com ) at Moiliili Community Center (near the University)

There is another club - Hawaiian Fencers Club that teaches and meets at the YWCA downtown. Only two clubs in town but it's pretty good fencing. I'm still pretty new to the sport - picked it up a couple of years ago in Alaska.

I also lived here for 6.5 years "PF" and left mid 96. When were you here?

[135711]

i like his site, it's easier to read than the other site which was done in purples and blacks, but the webmaster who designed it is nice so, i can't get into it. btw, i did a portrait of brian [thanks for the sandwich and beer] tell colin/brian/and ivan and eric farewell and i miss my friends over on oahu, however, i did find another salle and one day, our swords will cross again. i would have stayed, but some people were mean to me, i miss my salle honolulu shorts the most, they were the best for running. after i'm finished with my fencing, i may go back. bye for now, and i also miss my apartment, my job, ala moana park for running, the people at the coffee cove; and the ice-cream stores.

xxxooo



i can see colin's getting intensive, it's best to let him fly with it, and back off until he lands, then it's okay to talk more.

the aqua's very nice/ what goes nice with aqua? Yellow! Fuschia! all the summer colors; the ice-cream colors, chocolate brown! have fun!