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Post by Deleted on Jul 11, 2009 15:30:11 GMT
I have a Starfire 1 meter sword. The warranty is void if you sharpen the blade. Is it because of the blade not being properly tempered or is it because of liability?
I purchased it because of the size, all steel and it is supposed to be welded, making it a sturdy "beater".
I would appreciate any info on the temper if anyone has any experience with them. Thank you in advance.
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Post by hotspur on Jul 11, 2009 16:30:52 GMT
I have a Starfire 1 meter sword. The warranty is void if you sharpen the blade. Is it because of the blade not being properly tempered or is it because of liability? I purchased it because of the size, all steel and it is supposed to be welded, making it a sturdy "beater". I would appreciate any info on the temper if anyone has any experience with them. Thank you in advance. Hi Limey, I would think the definitive answer would be to ask Starfire themselves. I honestly don't think it is a matter of heat treatment so much as what the sword was designed for and that the warranty most likely regards the sword being non-returnable if altered in that fashion. Not a decision regarding liability but simply unworkable from their end (and to their end's purpose). Most sensible makers will at least enquire as to why or how a sword is not satisfactory and would need replacement or refund. Starfire's warranty is probably simply put in such a way that they do expect real information as to why one of their swords breaks, fails, doesn't meet expectations. I know many sword communities and collectors/users have picked up the term of beaters and while appreciating the philosophy, the term itself lends to product abuse, one way or another. I have no doubt that one could put an edge on a Starfire sword and be perfectly satisfied with its beater qualifications, while not being able to return it for any other issues, including both blade and hilt failure/issues. Starfire has a quite long track record but they are simply not targeted for the cutting crowd. Thinking there is some worth beyond sharpening one is going to be a purely subjective experience with them. My objective view? There are better alternatives but one may enjoy the experiment. I do not follow the Starfire site and have never communicated with them. Direct questions communicated to and from them may better ascertain just what steels are used, heat treatment and general construction. Folk that have referenced them in use do not use them for the cutting and the possibly characterized in the beater classification. The term is, in the end, is a little bit of a quirk of my own displeasure. They do seem to have a theatrical and re-enactor's following. Purpose, fuction and form are what I would regard with any tool or weapon. Functional within its own parameters is what some do classify as a beater. I would just look at most as trying to get the right tool for the job. The Starfire simply wasn't meant to be anything but what they describe on their site. Cheers Hotspur; I did at one time label some of my swords as wasters but that is a misnomer as well
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Post by Deleted on Jul 11, 2009 17:11:34 GMT
This is straight from the Starfire website:
"Starfire Swords, Ltd. produces blades for costume, decoration, and staged combat. These blades are created without edges or points. If you or anyone else gets hurt, you are misusing our product. Starfire endorses the safety standards set by the Society of American Fight Directors."
Essentially, they don't want their swords sharpened, because they were not meant to be sharpened. Sharpening it probably voids the warranty because they see it as gross misuse of their product.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 11, 2009 22:37:17 GMT
I have sharpened a Starfire sword. It was a real pain in the ass because of the thickness of the blade. Unfortunately the edge did not keep and it proved to be a waste of time.. Also sharpening a blade that thick is going to change the POB slightly. I feel Starfire swords really don't lend themselves as cutters, they are overweighted making them quite cumbersome. So speaking from experience, I wouldn't recommend it..
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Post by Deleted on Jul 11, 2009 22:45:05 GMT
I have many friends that own Starfire swords, and to be honest, don't waste your time. I would not recommend their product for anything more than wearing on your hip at the faire or hanging on the wall. Their temper / construction do not make them very safe to use on a practical level.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 11, 2009 23:09:15 GMT
:'(Well it appears that once again I have hosed myself by not researching before I buy. I wasn't afraid of the weight and thought that the way it was presented (being welded) that it would be incredibly durable. Looks like I need to find someone who is interested in theater or is need of a spiffy boat anchor. Perhaps I should keep it as a reminder of a foolhardy purchase.
Again, thank you for your imput. Now I'll go cry in my beer.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 12, 2009 0:57:22 GMT
What do you actually mean by it being welded?
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Post by Deleted on Jul 12, 2009 4:01:30 GMT
What do you actually mean by it being welded? I am told that the quillion and pommel are tacked to the tang before the grip wrapping is applied.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 12, 2009 4:38:07 GMT
I own a few starfire swords and they are great for working out with and crossing swords with my wife (carefully)every now and then. They are heavy and make for a good workout but with an edge that thick sharpening it would take a lot of time. I think what you mean by welding is hot peaning.They attach their pommel and guard to the tang while its still hot,it makes for a tight fit. I even have a custom starfire shortsword my wife had made for me (it's 2 inches longer),I'll never cut with it but it still is a nice sword. You seamed to buy a good sword but not for the right purpose.Maybe a blunt sword could help you with teqnique and proper handling before you start cutting, if your new to swords.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 12, 2009 13:11:18 GMT
I own a few starfire swords and they are great for working out with and crossing swords with my wife (carefully)every now and then. They are heavy and make for a good workout but with an edge that thick sharpening it would take a lot of time. I think what you mean by welding is hot peaning.They attach their pommel and guard to the tang while its still hot,it makes for a tight fit. I even have a custom starfire shortsword my wife had made for me (it's 2 inches longer),I'll never cut with it but it still is a nice sword. You seamed to buy a good sword but not for the right purpose.Maybe a blunt sword could help you with teqnique and proper handling before you start cutting, if your new to swords. You are probably right about the "hot peening". I liked the looks of the sword but don't really have a desire for an 8 pound trainer that is 51" long. I have had several swords over the years. 4 Sky Castles (all spirited away for greater coin) and 3 Cold Steels (1 I still have) I still have a bastard sword from Badger Blades. I am considering either a Generation 2 or a Darksword Armory now. I have a tendancy to break things so durability is paramount.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 12, 2009 14:08:12 GMT
What are you hitting that leads you to have a tendency to break so many blades? Swords are a tool and were created for one thing Killing basically slashing and stabbing people and need to be treated carefully and with some respect.Well you really cant go around killing people anymore but replacement objects are used, plastic bottles.pool noodles,tatami mat's,bamboo and a few other things.I do a little cutting but I would never use my sword on something that might break the blade.I also would never call any of my swords Wasters,some may be inexpensive but I still oil them and treat them with the respect i think they deserve. I have a bit of a collection from a few stainless wall hangers from movies to inexpensive carbon steel swords like windlass or cheaper katanas all the way to custom Jody Samson and Michael Rader even three starfire swords and two Starfire Axes.I treat them all carefully and in 20 years have never broken a blade.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 13, 2009 14:38:28 GMT
:'(Well it appears that once again I have hosed myself by not researching before I buy. I wasn't afraid of the weight and thought that the way it was presented (being welded) that it would be incredibly durable. Looks like I need to find someone who is interested in theater or is need of a spiffy boat anchor. Perhaps I should keep it as a reminder of a foolhardy purchase. Again, thank you for your imput. Now I'll go cry in my beer. Ha! I've a number of swords I keep for just this reason...as proof of my D'oh! moments. LOL At least you can still beat around with it if you so chose...
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