Blade NO1

[Pincushion]

I was considering purchasing a pair of Blade's new line of fencing shoes, the NO1s. Has anyone had any experience with these shoes?

Thanks.

[JFencer]

Yeah I think they are pretty good. A lot of people seem to be buying them at least at metropolis...

[The0ne]

Huh, never heard of those! If you buy a pair post all about them!!!

[JFencer]

The funny thing about them is that they are called Number Ones... but it really says No one. I didnt realize that untill after I got them. Maybe I wouldnt have gotten them if I thought about that.

[Swordmaster]

They are made in China, just like the Adidas shoes are. I have inspected a pair and I wasn't impressed. Next to a fencers mask, I think that his or her shoes are the most important thing. If you are using inferior shoes you can mess you feet , ankles, legs or any other part of your body (falling) for the rest of your life.
Knee injuries are the biggest thing that can put any athlete out of commission. This can be caused by the shoes that you wear.
I am only saying, becareful when purchasing shoes - don't just buy the cheapest thing you can find.
Best of Luck,
Scott

[DangerMouse]

Originally posted by Swordmaster
They are made in China, just like the Adidas shoes are.

Actually, if you check the toungue on the Adidas shoes, they are made in Germany although most of Adidas' non-fencing shoes are made in third world countries in Asia.

[great bowyer]

the asymmetrics and the high version of the asymmetrics are both made in germany, while the D' Artagnans are made in china.

[neevel]

Originally posted by great bowyer
the asymmetrics and the high version of the asymmetrics are both made in germany, while the D' Artagnans are made in china.

This is correct-- the Equipment asymmetrics are made in Germany, while the D'Artagnan's are from China.

If you're on a tight budget, you might want to look at squash/raquetball shoes from Adidas and other companies. They're probably the closest thing to fencing shoes in terms of design, and are often better than the cheapest fencing shoes.

-Dave

[Swordmaster]

Originally posted by great bowyer
the asymmetrics and the high version of the asymmetrics are both made in germany, while the D' Artagnans are made in china.

Yeah, the D'Artagnans used to say made in German at one time too!
Why would Adidas split their production of fencing shoes when they were setup and running in China?
They may be sewing on the label on the tongue in German.

[neevel]

Originally posted by Swordmaster
Yeah, the D'Artagnans used to say made in German at one time too!
Why would Adidas split their production of fencing shoes when they were setup and running in China?
They may be sewing on the label on the tongue in German.

Probably the same reason VW builds the Passat in Germany and the New Beetle in Mexico-- for the higher end, flagship model the implied quality control will be important, whereas for the lower priced model keeping production costs as low as possible is more significant.

-Dave