------ Original Message ------
Received: Mon, 09 Feb 2009 01:25:27 AM EST
From: James Koch <alchem@...>
To: <classicalfencing@yahoogroups.com>
Subject: Re: [CFML] RE: Hi Folks - question about currently available
equipment

> David,
> >
> We manufacture a colichemarde blade in a 36 inch length which can be
> shortened down to 30 inches. I wouldn't go any shorter than that
> though. We can shorten our flat tang blades down to 28 inches, but
> those wont fit in our current small sword hilts. So it either go
> with the 30 inch blade or wait for us to manufacture a batch of custom
hilts.
> >
> Jim Koch, Alchem Inc. "http://www.alcheminc.com"
> >
> >
> > At 08:53 PM 2/8/2009, David Laloum wrote:
>
> >Hi Folks
> >
> >I have a small group here in Melbourne who are keen to begin working
> >on Rapier &/or Smallsword.. (they are currently learning CF weapons)
> >
> >Having been away from the marketplace for a while I thought I would
> >ask people what they are using, what is currently available and what
> >people recommend...
> >
> >Specifically:
> >
> >RAPIER:
> >
> >My requirements vary from 35" to 42" depending on the fencer....
> >preference is for triangular (epee style) blades to ensure proper
> >point control, looking for enough flex to make them safe, handling
> >properties that are authentic, and no wobbly points...
> >
> >Zen Warrior Armory (ZWA) has their musketeer blades - with Dennis
> >Graves designed hilts no less - this is currently top of my list -
> >mostly due to previous experience with Dennis Graves designs/work -
> >has anyone used these? (also what are their flexidagger blades like?
> >And their Main Gauche?)
> >
> >Word is that Fulvio DelTin is about to produce another batch of
> >FISAS Rapier blades - What guard/hilt/mountings would this work with?
> >
> >I've taken a look at Chevalier D'Auvergne - much of their stuff
> >looks very very similar to the ZWA gear - does anyone know whether
> >ZWA are sourcing their gear from CD'A ?
> >
> >SMALLSWORD:
> >So far the best I can find in the way of blades are Size 0
> >(30")Epee.... are there any other options? - Does anyone make a 28" blade?
> >What do people recommend in the way of hilts/components - again my
> >previous experience with Dennis Graves products leads me to look
> >closely at the ZWA Dennis Graves Smallsword. - Has anyone tried these?
> >What are people using and how do they find them in handling and wear
terms?
> >
> >Hope the forum can help
> >
> >Thanks & bye for now
> >
> >David Laloum
> >

Short epee blades are children's blades. The No. 0 blade (30 inches) is
considered too weak for use by adults: experience says it will break. Those
who use a short epee blade for smallsword usually use the No. 2 epee blade (32
inches). This has proved to be strong enough.

Alternatively, Zen Warrier now stocks their rapier blades in 30 inch length.
Zen warrier is very widely used in Atlantia [Mid-Atlantic states of the US],
and has generally proved acceptable. Alternatively, Darkwood Armory
http://www.darkwoodarmory.com/store/ also provides blades that have wide
acceptance in Atlantia, and are considered very high quality. However, they do
not list 30 inch blades in their catalog, so you will have to contact them on
what is available.

This region of SCA is phasing out epee blades, except for practice, so I have
not seen Zen Warrior's 32 inch musketeer blade in use.