Waster or Blunt?

[Eric Chisler]

So it's beginning to look like I'm not going to be having any sparring partners for a while (I think some heads will perk up once I get good enough to look impressive), and I'm beginning to wonder if a steel training sword (Albion's Meyer, specifically) wouldn't be a better way to go for training by myself. I didn't get the waster I wanted for x-mas, so now I have the chance to reconsider and save for something nice. Are there any disadvantages to starting with a steel blunt? Advantages? I'm sure it handles more like a real blade, which I would figure should be important to the learning process.

Any advice, guys?

-Eric

P.S. It's been about a month since I applied (via email) and have had no response yet. I'm sure it's just because someone has been busy, but I wanted to check and make sure it went through. Thank you.

[Shane Smith]

I think a waster should be most people's first training tool purchase. A blunt is great but of limited utility unless you have friends who likewise own them and possess the skill to use them safely.

The above said, a blunt will eventually be a tool you must own and I myself started with a sharp from Albion years ago as my first purchase. I came out okay and still have all of my fingers and toes. I had several years of MA experience before finding HACA however.

As for your application, the approval process takes a bit of time even when we aren't in the middle of the holidays. Be patient on that one.

[Jim Churches]

Dittos on Shane's comments. I enjoy training with my blunts a great deal, but I think the effect would have been lost on me in the early days.

Also, for the same money, you can pick up two wasters, a pair of fencing masks, some gloves, wrestling shoes, and a few fechtbuchs. Then when you find a training partner, you have the gear you need and maybe sell it to them if they maintain an interest.

You then end up with an investment for your blunt.