The Fencing Post

I've now completed 3 purchases and will definitely work with them in the future.



The lack of an on-line ordering capability hurts, but on the plus side, their request that you include all your relevant measurements in your e-mail so they can confirm the correct size is provided seems to work well. On the first 2 orders, it took a couple days before they responded, but then they shipped promptly and the order got here just as fast as any of the other sites I've ordered from.



And with their 20% discount for e-mail orders, they are beating just about everyone else on price. Though it is hard to argue against easier to navigate websites, when you factor in the price, this is definitely a good vendor.



I haven't done any returns with them, so I can't assess that aspect, though I've heard from members at my club that they are great on this.

I had a series of order screw-ups that were enough to negate any savings the 20% saved me. Keep in mind that their prices are high enough that after the discount, you end up paying the average price on most stuff. Their customer service was poor at best. After a number of mind boggling mishaps with shipping (sent to wrong address 3x!), I decided that I\'d be better off with with just about anyone else.

I've placed 2 orders now and have been extremely pleased! I've ordered uniforms/lames, testing equipment, 3 complete epee's, 3 complete foils, spare parts, etc. The only order problem I had was being sent an epee tip instead of a foil tip, and the last 2 epee's I purchased were each missing a screw in the tip. The wiring has been excellent, and the weapons have held up nicely (non-FIE StM's).



Customer service is top-notch! I place my orders on the phone mentioning their on-line 20% discount, and the prices can't be beat! They always answer my questions and are very helpful.



I did have a problem with my Post-Sport stretch nylon jacket in that after wearing it only 7 times, the tab at the bottom of the zipper broke. I sent it back, and they repaired the zipper and re-shipped it back to me all for free!



I will continue to use them for all my fencing needs.

I have been using the Fencing Post for a couple of years now, and after having bought from just about every vendor at one time or another (I order all the equipment for out club) they are easily my favorite US vendor.



The prices are great (you get a 20% discount if you mention it), they almost always have what I want in stock when I want it (the exception being LP epee blades) and even carry some things that are not listed on their web page like Vniti foil blades. They have been very good about answering any questions I have had and even bend/cant blade tangs just the way I like them if I ask them to. They also cut off pistol grip tangs to fit the kind of grip you use instead of a generic snip job, which is a nice touch.



I have only ever had two problems with them out of about 40 orders. The first time they did not send a couple of items and charged me for it anyway. When I contacted them about it they were apologetic, shipped out the equipment fast with no extra charge and even gave me a free body cord as an apology gift! The second was just a couple of items that did not fit one of our hard to size fencers and they credited my account the day after the post office says they received it so very fast compared to most vendors.



Their only real downside is that they do not have a secure server so you have to call in your orders. Their website is well laid out and easy to use but you have to go through and write everything down as you go. They do take e-mail orders but they are a bit slow about processing them and you still have to call to do the credit card so I never saw the point.



In short, they are my favorites and the only real thing I feel they are lacking in is a better way to place web orders.

I've had a few experiences where the turn around on my order was longer than I expected (2 months in this case). But I've always been pleased with the product I have recieved. I've ordered numerous times and purchased everything from blades to shoes. I've also used Uhlmann and Triplette from time to time, but the live customer service provided by Saul and his staff is superior. It would be great if I could place my orders online eventually.

I've ordered from both Blue Gauntlet and Triplette. I recently tried The Fencing Post. It is now my favorite supplier. The people on the phone are extremely nice and attentive. It sounds like they actually care! My e-mail invoice and my order all arrived within the same week. I really suggest you call to make orders. That way you can ask general questions about sizes and stuff.

I've ordered several times and never had to send anything back! Always what I ordered! They have some of the best pricing if you e-mail your order as well because of the 20% discount.

I've ordered numerous items from The Fencing Post and have never been let down. I've bought my entire FIE uniform, mask, shoes, and at least 6 blades from them. I've done things both mail order and in person at Nationals and NACs.



Saul (the owner) is very helpful and knowledgable about the equipment he sells. In my experience, he has the best prices.



Ordering online is a bit primitive - it's still a simple email with the order and credit card info. They're a bit slow with an email confirmation, but the equipment comes quickly and I've never had a problem with my order.



Overall, I consdier The Fencing Post to be one of the best vendors out there.