Hello,

We are writing to everyone about the new sabres by CAS Iberia. Maestro Paul
Macdonald showed us the prototypes for these sabres back in the Spring of
2004. We were so pleased with the blades and the hilts that we were eagerly
awaiting their production. We placed a substantial order as soon as we
heard they were available. It was a huge disappointment to find out that
what they have produced resembles the prototypes in appearance only. We
returned the whole order because we were so greatly disappointed with the
blades.

The problems that we noted are;
1. The temper of the Radaelli and Pecoraro sabre blades is incorrect. This
is especially so in the foible. It has no temper at all, making it is
excessively soft and whippy. The blade is too flexible with nearly no
spring to it, which makes it feel totally lifeless. Upon careful
examination it is clear that the blade will easily bend excessively and not
return to true. We were shocked to see this; the prototypes in 2004 had
accurately tempered blades which sprang back to true.
2. The Radaelli and Pecoraro sabre blades are also too light. This renders
the over all balance of these sabres completely wrong as all of the weight
of the completed sabre is then concentrated in the hilt.
3. Worst of all, these blades are all inconsistent.
4. The blade on the Hutton has the opposite problem. The Hutton sabre blade
is too stiff and heavy. These blades are also tempered incorrectly as they
are too rigid and the foible has no flex at all. This makes the completed
sabre feel like a club or hammer in the hand with the weight too far forward
of the guard.
5. The blade on the Hutton has some taper, but the general thickness of the
blade is excessive.

From our examination of CAS Iberia products, we have determined that they
have the adequate technology and the ability to produce a good product.
What is required is more attention to detail. We have written them
explaining all of the above, hoping that they will correct the errors by
making the proper adjustments and modifications on the blades.

We are letting everyone know about this because it is important that we (the
consumer) let weapon suppliers know that we are not willing to settle for
second rate equipment, especially when they have the means and capacity to
produce a better product. If we are content to purchase products that are
"the best available" when they can clearly produce better, then there is no
incentive for them to improve their products. This is a good opportunity
for us to voice our concerns and let the folks at Cas Iberia know that we
will not settle for substandard goods.

We need to encourage the manufacturer to replicate these weapons exactly to
the technical specs of the prototypes (rather then giving them our
"opinions"). The specs Maestro Macdonald gave them served to produce a very
good prototype. All we are asking is that they adhere to the specs and
quality that they showed us they were capable of achieving in the
prototypes.

Sincerely,

Maestro Ramon Martinez, Director
Maestro Jeannette Acosta-Martinez, Manager
Martinez Academy of Arms




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