Different kinds of blades?

[Popper]

What is the difference between the different kinds of blades? what is a maraging blade for instance? and why are there coloured blades? I guess there are more different kinds of blades than those I mentioned, please tell me about those as well, enlighten me

[Strytllr]

Well, specifically, maraging blades are a composite blend of steel and some other metals to make a super strong and resilant blade, stronger than titanium, I believe, but still having the flexibility of good steel. It is made to withstand a tremendous amout of combat with developing cracks as quickly as standard steel blades. It's also designed so that, if it does happen to break, it will break cleanly with little to no jagged point. They developed it for use on the international level of fencing.

As for other kinds of blades, it depends on which ones you're looking at. Most blades are machine forged (to remove any inconsistencies with tempering, etc.). Some are still "hand" forged. I have never been able to believe that they can hand forged in any kind of mass production, but that's how they're listed. I think my opinion of hand forged and their's may differ slightly.

Overall, there is just a difference in how it's forged, whether it's a stiff blade or a whippy one. Different techniques in forging can create a wide variety of blade types. I'd advise you to think about what you want and ask around to see what brand most of us use who like that same type.

Good luck.

[Phoenix]

are you aonly alloweed to have 1999 and 2000 blades at competion?

[westcoastsabre]

for sabre, no 1999

[Phoenix]

only 2000? ok. got ya.

I also just broke me first blade! I so happy! ^_^

[westcoastsabre]

Funny thing about that, i've never been involved with blade breakage on the strip...

[Inquartata]

The law of averages will catch up to you someday. Then you'll probably break five in a week, just to compensate!

[The0ne]

My friend broke 3 at the same tournament, that's got to suck!!!

[JAySE SUiCiDE]

broke my favourite blade (StM) on the last touch of a bout i lost 15-0..that was a tough day..

~Jes