Fencing.Net - Your Guide to Fencing & Fencing Equipment

inventorriz · 04-28-2003, 05:25 PM

Please post which you think is the best blade type.
I want to know if France lames is a good brand

DangerMouse · 04-29-2003, 12:49 PM

I don't really like the France Lames blades. They don't really last very long.

For Epee, I use the Leon Paul rolled steel blades. I find they last about 4 years each and are relatively cheap. I'm still looking for a foil blade I really like that lasts.

-DM

scarphe · 04-29-2003, 01:10 PM

Dear inventorriz:

I do think not that Frnace lames went bankrupt or at leats is no longer is no longer active in production of blades, I am guessing ( I hope that somone could helpe me out with this.) that there are some of theses blades still floating around in some stockists, because this must be the case in order to purchase them still. I think that the FL production facilities were bought by prieur long ago (2 or 3 years).

Your question of the best sort of blade depens upon variables such as what level one is at, what sort of style one uses or would wish to use, one's budget and one's weapon.

If one is new to the sport the type of blade does not really matter, unless it is so cheap that it is an unsafe blade, which most good stockiost will not even dare sell, but the blade should probably be one of medium stiffness so as you can learn to flick in foil and still have some strength in the blade. and after you have found which stiffness complements your developing style then the point of maker and type of blade become important ( in my experience).

I have not had the chance to use the vninty foil so I cannot comment on that one. but if you like to flick I have the the "flickmaster" from leon paul and that would probably appear to be the one to flick with or for that matter (in the experience of me and my teacher) the leon paul blades are usually on the softer side, so they should be a good fit. But leon paul also costs much money wherever you originate.

If one likes to keep a medium stiffness and a better price the unkranian blades that pbt sells are good, one can still flick and have point control. BF blades would also be a good choice to but ask that the the blade be able to flick, even ask for a blade that is softer than you think you would like, when you order these for they are tighter than one thinks.

If one is on the other side, and wish for a blade that is as stiff a possible then a BF maraging blade is the one should be taken up ( at least in my experience, please post if you know of a stiffer maraging blade.)

These comments are based upon my experience and should be taken only as on persons perspective.

I hope this helps

scarphe

typoink · 04-29-2003, 02:49 PM

I can definitely second the quality of BF blades. The first time I saw one, it just screamed of high production quality to me. But yes, they are very stiff.

inventorriz · 04-29-2003, 04:23 PM

what about vniti

mifencer · 04-29-2003, 04:37 PM

I just came back from Overland Park, KS. I bought 3 FIE France Lames foil blades. Supposively Prieur turned the forges back on. Even though it doesn't matter, the stamp on the blades are 12/2002.

Some people don't like FL for foil, I am one of the person who really, really like the blades. I have FL blades from 95, so don't give me business about longitivity. Plus the price is cheaper than Vniti or BF blades. The Vniti blades is a good second to FL foil blades, but with price and flexibility I will always go with the FL blades.

Windsor · 04-29-2003, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mifencer
I just came back from Overland Park, KS. I bought 3 FIE France Lames foil blades. Supposively Prieur turned the forges back on. Even though it doesn't matter, the stamp on the blades are 12/2002.

Some people don't like FL for foil, I am one of the person who really, really like the blades. I have FL blades from 95, so don't give me business about longitivity. Plus the price is cheaper than Vniti or BF blades. The Vniti blades is a good second to FL foil blades, but with price and flexibility I will always go with the FL blades.

Which vendor did you buy from? I hadn't heard anything about them producing any new blades?

kini mini · 04-29-2003, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mifencer

Some people don't like FL for foil, I am one of the person who really, really like the blades. I have FL blades from 95, so don't give me business about longitivity. Plus the price is cheaper than Vniti or BF blades. The Vniti blades is a good second to FL foil blades, but with price and flexibility I will always go with the FL blades.

I have a 2000 FL maraging FIE foil blade, it's alright

. It was my first electric weapon, and as such has taken a lot of punishment! It is cheaper than Vniti and BF, but I prefer my BF blue because the FL is a bit too stiff for my liking - great for parries, prise de fer attacks, beats, but I really have to whip it to flick people. The BF is much lighter, you can snatch the opportunity to flick for example without telegraphing your intentions! The Vniti foil blades seem similar to the FLs, but Vniti blades (those that I've borrowed from friends) are a bit more flexible IMO.

The Australian FL supplier has switched to Allstar AFAIK, he was my coach, so I don't think we can get any FL stuff here any more.

DHCJr · 04-30-2003, 12:37 PM

I found out I was wrong. The old France Lame forge has been back in operation for about a year and it was bought by Prieure. The name has been changed, but I don't know the new name.

From what people are saying on this forum, they are using the FL forge code. As far as the date is concerned, it is not the date of manufacter. It is the date of certification. They need to be certified at least every two years, usually around 18 months. So I expect we will be seeing 12/02 for the rest of this year and through the middle of next year.

I don't know for sure, as I have not seen any, but I expect the new Priere blades will be equivalent to the old France Lame blades. Also if they have a date of 12/02, I would trust that they are true FIE blades.

neevel · 04-30-2003, 01:53 PM

I never saw a problem with FL FIE blades (at least, the ones that really were FIE blades)-- it was their basic, non-FIE blades that really weren't very good.

-Dave

Sigurd · 05-01-2003, 01:06 AM

Well...for the most part I've found FL blades to be rather inconsitant in quality, I've seen people who have a pretty good blade, and they get another, and somehow it's just not as good as their first one. As for me, I also like my blue BF blade, even if it is stiff!

inventorriz · 05-08-2003, 05:57 PM

OK i was thinking of getting a allstar is that a good idea

DHCJr · 05-08-2003, 06:28 PM

Alstar does not make blades. Uhlmann has started to make blades and they are "The Same Company", except they are separate. Alstar sells blades from a number of forges. These blades are also sold by other companies. For example, they sell BF, SM and their "Econoline" could be anything based on whatever they were able to make a good deal.

It is best to ask about forges, rather than vendors.

CvilleFencer · 05-08-2003, 08:46 PM

I like (speaking of foil) the BF FIE Blue for speed and point control as well as good flexibility. I usually fence with a Vniti and the only bad thing I can say about it is that it is a bit stiff and a bit heavy, but it is by far the most rugged and durable blade I have ever used, and not a bad price to boot.

In the end the best blade is the one that works for you. Try them all if you can and just remember that stiffness always varies a bit from batch to batch so ask for a specific flex when you order even if the company does not offer the option on the web page. If they have any decent customer service skills at all they will hand pick a blade for you based on your description.

Oh, and the most flexible blade I have ever found is the SG Soft non-FIE blades from Blue Gauntlet. They are almost "flick self in the wrist caliber". The problem is recovering after a beat or parry. I hate having to wait for the sword point to catch up with me! I have never tried the LP Flickmaster, as it seems obscenely overpriced and have not heard a lot of good things about the company.

inventorriz · 05-08-2003, 10:49 PM

Thanks ok so now what do people think of epee

CvilleFencer · 05-08-2003, 11:57 PM

Speaking of epee I love the BF blue FIE blades above all others. This is the top of the line blade for All-star/Uhlmann and Triplette. Great feel, good balance and reasonable flex for sniping. Really good blades.

I have had trouble with all the Fleche and Dynamo blades and I think they are the same as Lammet so I would stay away from them. The Vniti epee is a freaking baseball bat, and that can be both good and bad depending on your style. Hard to break though no matter what. I have some StM FIE colored blades on the way but have anything from them yet.

If you by any of the Chinese epees I think you are asking for trouble no matter what "great deal" you will find. Value is something of quality for a reasonable price not something that is crap for a little bit of scratch. By a good blade, replace it less often and be happy with it longer. You will save money in the end! And so ends my advice on epee blades. I am sure other opinions will vary!

veeco · 05-09-2003, 08:29 AM

Epee STM blades are alright in the first months, then they tend to become mushy and gummy, and they take a lot of kinks easily.

Still, they are not too bad and I usually use them when I can't get any BF blades.

mifencer · 05-09-2003, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Windsor
Which vendor did you buy from? I hadn't heard anything about them producing any new blades?

I bought them from Blue Gauntlet.

inventorriz · 05-12-2003, 10:12 PM

Thanks alot i am going with BF thanks tell me more i am sort of a NOOB i have been fencing for about a year

CvilleFencer · 05-12-2003, 11:10 PM

Blue Gauntlet is having a good sale on the BF FIE super foils in that neon blue color. They have a good feel, and I played with one recently, but I have not owned one in this color. Has anyone used one for a while? Does that pretty bright blue color hold up?