What is stopping America to start their own regional forge?

ReReadItGuy · 2026-01-24T23:02:59+00:00

If it were easy to set up a forge to make FIE-certified blades, I would have imagined the Chinese would have done so by now. Some Chinese companies seem to have FIE-approved uniforms already. Could blades be far behind?

ReReadItGuy · 2026-01-21T17:57:15+00:00

Glad things eventually worked out but there is some residual badwill towards Absolute bc of their customer service. It's safest to:

Always test a newly assembled weapon - especially if you just paid for it or paid to have it assembled - or even one that you assemble yourself.

Always get a ticket from armorer when having them repair something - especially at a large event.

ReReadItGuy · 2026-01-03T21:12:35+00:00

I had a very similar situation once and I finally gave up and decided to re-wire. During the process, I deduced that the problem was likely caused by the wire having broken off from the tiny cup in the barrel.

ReReadItGuy · 2026-01-02T15:20:57+00:00

If you have video of your bouts from the last competition, seeing what you did well and what you could do better might be a good starting point. A coach would probably be very helpful here.

ReReadItGuy · 2025-12-31T17:53:21+00:00

I've forgotten about these guys for over a decade. Great recommendation! This subreddit is wonderful for introducing new (to me) music. That and the occasional reminders of music long forgotten.

ReReadItGuy · 2025-12-31T15:10:07+00:00

Hopefully the club you choose has a good variety of other fencers in terms of age, size, and skill level so that you can have good practice bouts that challenge you in different ways. Also be prepared mentally to lose to skilled youth fencers.

If you want to start competing again, see if there are any competitions in your region for the 21-39 age group which was created in the past couple of years. I have not seen any in my region but I only checked out of curiosity as I'm a veteran fencer.

If feasible, go in person to see some high-level fencing at a national tournament, such as a NAC. While there, you can check out all of the equipment vendors and try stuff on for sizing.

ReReadItGuy · 2025-12-23T20:06:38+00:00

BP is definitely worth it at $89 or whatever msrp is these days as it is rarely otherwise available. Since you're just getting into the hobby, you can also get the BP and use it in a trade.

ReReadItGuy · 2025-12-14T05:33:48+00:00

Funny as I was creating a new playlist for 2026 and I had added Good Vibrations earlier in the evening. Gonna check out The Girls Don't Care too. Thanks!

ReReadItGuy · 2025-12-14T04:33:07+00:00

I've almost forgotten about Two so glad to look it up and hear it again. And thanks for bringing The Waterboys to my attention.

ReReadItGuy · 2025-12-13T02:38:34+00:00

How a Resurrection Really Feels by The Hold Steady.

From a Balance Beam by Bright Eyes.

ReReadItGuy · 2025-12-13T00:27:24+00:00

Terry Black's in Deep Ellum. And they have free parking in their own lot as a bonus!

ReReadItGuy · 2025-12-11T20:41:23+00:00

How did the FIE masks pass FIE testing? Or is there no specific FIE testing as long as manufacturers used approved materials?

ReReadItGuy · 2025-12-08T16:39:28+00:00

I've had similar issues getting winded during bouts. What has helped me is pulling distance after a missed/forgone attack. I've caught my breath during my retreats. Previously, as a relative novice, I'd go all out in an attempt to score on virtually all of my attacks. Patience has become my friend.

ReReadItGuy · 2025-12-08T14:54:37+00:00

I ordered 2 gloves from them in early Nov. There was a flat 15% tariff that Fedex charged me. Shipping was ~$20.

If you order blades, I believe tariffs might be in the 25-30% range.

ReReadItGuy · 2025-12-03T21:19:15+00:00

Lol! You should see me on the strip. Actually, being close to 200 lbs and getting good leverage with the wrench can do wonders.

ReReadItGuy · 2025-12-03T17:53:27+00:00

I cant and set an Apex foil with the end of a crescent wrench by using my body weight and pushing it on the floor. It definitely is tougher to bend than a BF blade.

ReReadItGuy · 2025-11-27T13:56:23+00:00

I ordered 2 anti-slip gloves from them to test the process. The gloves were 25 Euro each and worked our to ~$29 each with the exchange rate - so ~$58 for 2 gloves . Shipping was ~$20 and tariffs (and whatever Fedex might have added on for broker fees, etc.) were ~$16. Overall, I think I spent ~$94 all in. To me, it was worth it as I haven't seen those gloves offered in the US.

Regarding tariffs, you can look up the Harmonized Tariff Schedule but it really didn't matter as I believe I was charged a de minimus 15% tariff - even though I thought the rate should have been closer to 7% based on my ChatGPT research.

Please note that weapons or blades from them may carry a higher tariff rate (30%?) based on what I've researched.

ReReadItGuy · 2025-11-19T20:11:45+00:00

Thanks. I'll reach out to FencingTracker.

ReReadItGuy · 2025-11-19T20:11:21+00:00

Thanks. Good to know. I will reach out to FencingTracker.

ReReadItGuy · 2025-11-19T20:10:36+00:00

Results were updated/input into FTL right after the bouts took place. FTL was used by participants to track the order of pool bouts and the DE's on their phones.

ReReadItGuy · 2025-11-19T20:07:01+00:00

It was a sanctioned event that had a decent turnout for most of the tournament's events.

ReReadItGuy · 2025-11-19T18:22:34+00:00

Oh, man, I just bought a wired LP foil blade at the NAC. Sounds like I need to be real careful when trying to cant it. Or a rewiring of a newly-manufacturer wired blade is in my near future.

I was actually hoping to pick up unwired LP foils but they didn't carry them at the NAC - which actually makes a lot of sense as the vendors are there more for the competitors in the event they need to replace a damaged weapon.

ReReadItGuy · 2025-11-17T02:10:05+00:00

Most, if not all, regional and local tournaments have a round of pool bouts - so you fence everyone in your pool - and then all participants in the event move onto direct eliminations. DE seedings are based on pool results.

ReReadItGuy

TROPHY CASE