maraging or stiff blades?

[firebrand]

Which blades are best for practice especially with foils and sabres ? Personally I am somewhat inexperienced mind you. Also for others in social and other competions, which is the choice blade ?

firebrand

[neevel]

Well, for starters, Maraging vs. stiff isn't a choice.
Maraging refers to the type of steel commonly used for FIE homolgated blades. The executive summary for FIE blades is 2-3 X the purchase cost of ordinary carbon steel blades, with the benefit of 5-8X the lifespan.

You can get maraging blades that are stiff (BF blades, commonly badged by Allstar, Uhlmann, and PBT, are typically stiff) or flexible (Leon Paul's blades tend to be on the more flexible side).

If by "practice", you mean non-electric, then you don't have to worry about whether or not to go with a maraging blade: nobody makes maraging non-electric blades. If you're going to be competing, it's best to use an electric blade for practice and lessons, anyway. The balance and feel of an electric blade with a point is going to be different from a dry blade. You want to practice with what you'd be using on the strip.

-Dave

[firebrand]

Thanks neevel, still if practicing for a competion is the flexible one best, ie a Leon Paul or the stiffer one. Mind you, it is unlikely I will succeed at competitions for I have let go of fencing for years now and am just coming back. I am more rust than iron.

Seasons greetings to you.

firebrand

[firebrand]

Also in a forum almost exactly like this one only it is orange Leon Paul is currently advertising in the equipment section non electric blades which are maraging steel. Also others have said that maraging steel isn't used now. Would you check and advise me? http://fencingforum.com . Also I think I have seen this elsewhere. Maybe Uhlmann.

firebrand

[DHCJr]

Uhlmann has submitted and had approved a non-maraging blade. BUT, these blades are tested to the same standards as other FIE approved blades. What is tested is tendency to break. Sample blades are put into a jig and flexed over and over and over until they break.

The Uhlmann's passed. We have to consider the forge Uhlmann is using. It is the old Scerma forge, which has always been considered the best. With maraging steel, just from the nature of the mixture, you can achieve the required standards without the best equipment. The Uhlmann's FIE should hold up as well as other FIE and maybe not have one flaw of the maraging and that is kinks.

[firebrand]

Thanks DHCjr. To know it kinks is valuable. Merry Christmas to you.

firebrand

[DHCJr]

If you see what I wrote, I said maraging has the tendency to kink. I don't know if the new Non-Maraging FIE's will do the same.

I hope those who have used them will avail themselves of the poll started by Barry Paul.

[firebrand]

Can the kinks be fixed or is the kink serious in these maraging sabres? Also Leon Paul's are flexible right?

So they last longer but kink into unrepairableness?

firebrand

[labouche]

Vnity blades are awesome!!! They have good flexibility while maintaining great control.
-la bouche