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Post by Deleted on Aug 15, 2007 21:38:03 GMT
Here is two beauties I picked up at Pennsic. ![](http://mysite.verizon.net/tsafa1/GreecePennsic2007/Longrapier.JPG) Both are tempered flexi-blades for practice fighting. The rapier has a 40 inch blade, 11.5 inch cross-guard with side rings and an 8 inch hilt for single or two handed use with a waisted wooden grip. Total length is about 48 inches. It is very much a late period longsword. The dagger is a main gauche design which offers excellent hand protection. 24 inches long with a 11.5 inch cross-guard. ![](http://mysite.verizon.net/tsafa1/GreecePennsic2007/Longrapier2.JPG) I plan on fighting with these two weapons from the refused guard. That is leading with the dagger. This is normally a very defensive position. It limits ones offense because the primary weapon is held further back and is out of reach. Most people fence with 35 inch blades. With my 40 inch blade, I can be in the refused position and still have the same reach. I have enough strength to actually hold this rapier by the pommol and fence from there for a short time. This would give me an even greater reach. On occasion, I can even switch up and lead with the long-rapier. ![](http://mysite.verizon.net/tsafa1/GreecePennsic2007/Refused.JPG) The Rappier was $160. The dagger $100.
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Post by ShooterMike on Aug 15, 2007 22:15:43 GMT
Nice set of new shiny shar....uh...blunties. ![:D](//storage.forums.net/forum/images/smiley/grin.png) I see in the background you got a new golf bag hardcase for transport. Smart idea. Oh, and the Lone Ranger mask is cute too. ![;)](//storage.forums.net/forum/images/smiley/wink.png)
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Post by Deleted on Aug 16, 2007 1:10:42 GMT
Yeah, I bought that golfcase for pennsic, $115. The site is too big to be carrying 3 or 4 swords in a shoulder bag. I got something with wheels.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 16, 2007 16:44:22 GMT
I am interested to hear your impressions of the performance of your new Alchem weapons. I have heard them described by some WMA practitioners as being whippy and "steel noodles". Maybe it depends on what you are using them for (style of sword play and setting)? They look serviceable enough and have an attractive price point. Congrats on all your new acquisitions.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 18, 2007 5:29:20 GMT
I got a chance to try it out last night and today. I was very happy. I was able to fence very effectively from the refused guard which I described in a prior post.
Spadroon, Alchem blades are meant to be used mostly in a thrusting style of fighting. So they would not be a good choice if you are using a cutting style or want to half-sword and wrestle. They are tempered to give on impact so you don't knock the wind out of your training partner. Even so, point control and is required. In my group, we are trained to extend the arm first and then lunge, rather then lunge and extend into the attack. There are a lot of women and "girlie-men" in my fencing league, and they semprini if you hit them too hard. Its worth the B.S. though, because the skill level is very high, and you get better faster.
Flexi-blades are usually hand-forged, so there are differences in the Flex. If you are ordering on-line or over the phone, you can tell them what you are looking for. I order a cup-hilt rapier from Tripplet (Zen Warrior) last year that I can't use. I should have sent it back. The blade it too stiff and I'm too heavy handed. I did not realized this until I tried an someone else's from the same company and same model. When I called the company, they explained the variations and uniqueness of each blade to me. I could have exchanged it had I not already put a few nicks into it.
p.s. The 40 inch blades tend to be more whippy then the 35 inch blades.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 24, 2007 5:21:48 GMT
Great stuff tsafa very informative for us newbies.
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