Padded swords to be tested

[Lance Chan]

An update for the guard padding. We're now offering an option of padding the guard with rubber rim. It will be much better looking and much more durable than the foam-padding with duct tape we employed before. The new method will cost a bit, though, at 2.64 USD dollars. The old method of padding with foam and tape will remain free.

Here are some photos for compare:
The rubber rim ones:


The foam padding one:


We've also found an alloy to make the guard that will not be bent even under direct forceful impact. (Anthony, it's the one on your claymore. <img src="/forum/images/icons/smile.gif" alt="" /> Will be perfect for techniques like Kron. After the current supplies of the European sword guards run out, I'll replace the future ones with this alloy. For those who can't wait, I can custom make a guard out of this alloy for you but that will increase the labor cost a bit (6.6 USD) because this alloy is stiff and requires a lot of work to make it in shape.

Our next step is to implement an idea that will make sure the guard don't appear loose. (well.. hmm... at least before taking direct impact, HA HA)

ps. We're making 12 swords for a Chinese martial arts school in Taiwan for their swordsmanship competition on 20th December. That will be a type of customized Jian with virtually unbreakable guard made out of tough rubber, instead of our original ABS plastic. They said competitiveness during the sparring context will make all the elegant techniques of Chinese swordsmanship fly out of the window. I'm not going to take any chance and will make these dozen swords extra heavy duty.

pps. This is the first year I feel like Santa Claus myself. Got many orders... everybody wants a sparring sword for Christmas. <img src="/forum/images/icons/smile.gif" alt="" />

[ksiajdn]

While obtaining more resistant padded swords is always good, sometimes we should look more forward our own technique. From my experience, people tend to use the sword as if it was a club or something. Remember that you're training to cut, not bash rocks...I've been practicing using the pell with some mates and we've been researching on this subject. We've been experimenting placing force on certain spots of the sword while attacking, and we're managing to more precise blows without losing the ''stoutness'' of the sword, specially when you use the point of the blade to ''guide'' your attack, be it a cut or thrust (duh <img src="/forum/images/icons/tongue.gif" alt="" /> ).

[Shane Smith]

When you say "alloy", you are not referring to a metal alloy are you? That would cause alot of injuries when one binds and strikes his opponents hands and other targets with the cross itself in my opinion.

[Lance Chan]

Yes, metal alloy.

So I think in this case sparring gloves with good protection ability is necessary if you are going to hit your friend's hand with the guard itself. We hit our opponent's head with the metal pommel/guard hard, but that's because we always have helmets on for sparring. The sound of the pommel hitting on the helmet is satisfying. I think it work the same if you want to hit hands with the guard.

I'm thinking of buying a pair of sparring gloves from Brian Price's shop myself. Or a pair of hockey gloves. I just dunno which one allows me a better grip on my sword while providing good protection on the back side of my hands.

[leam hall]

The problem with hockey gloves is that the handle must be significantly longer. My hands are not that wide, but when testing the one you sent Gary G I could not get a good grip with the second hand.

Please keep me posted on your improvements. I'm lousy at making these things so my "in home elf may" be contacting you... <img src="/forum/images/icons/wink.gif" alt="" />

[Lance Chan]

Leam hall,

Yeah, we addressed that problem by providing a model of longsword that has a longer hilt, longer blade and being more heavy. I think it will be good for those who like more typical long sword. There will be no problem to fit the hilt with both hands on this model, even with the gloves on.

http://www.rsw.com.hk/bastardsword.htm#longsword

[Mike Cartier]

damn those swords look nice Lance, great job.

[GaryGrzybek]

Hi Leam,

I have recommended lacrosse gloves for years. They are less bulky and allow two hands on some shorter grips, plus they are more articulate.

I agree though, the old style "realistic weapons" did not allow much room and with heavy gloves it's almost impossible.

One of these days we'll test the longer model

[Ray Brunk]

I've had great experience with the riot gloves from Galls USA. They are lighter and narrower then hockey or lacrosse gloves, the thumb is also more supple. They also come up the arm a little higher. Great for padded but still hurts when bashed with a waster.
Ray
ARMA Upstate NY

[Aaron Pynenberg]

I agree with Ray I also love the galls riot gloves, I use them alot and they have held up really well, not to mention they have a trigger finger slot in case s_ _t really hits the fan! Ha-Aaron

[Doug Marnick]

I checked the galls website. I didn't see "riot gloves" specifically. Are you guys referring to the "Forced Entry" Gloves? If so, nice protection for $40. I may have to replace my welder's gloves. Also, cheers to Aaron for being ready with the Indiana Jones technique. <img src="/forum/images/icons/smile.gif" alt="" />

[Aaron Pynenberg]

Yes, I labeled them wrong they are the "forced entry gloves" Item # Z-TE383, for $39.99. My Silly Cop Friends always think they are really funny and bring the Indiana Jones thing up whenever I talk about WMA, next time they do that I think I am going to Krump them with much nimbleness and intent and see how funny they think that is- I think that will make them a bunch of whinny silly Cop friends- HA -Aaron

[JeffGentry]

Hey Bill or David

I got a question for yea when you cut the hole in the PVC for the gaurd on your padded sword what do you use? A jigsaw or dremel tool or what, i tried drilling the with a 1" paddle bit it worked, They just seem too loose so i was thinking a jigsaw might work better to cut out the hole to insert the blade/hilt.

Jeff

[Shane Smith]

A heads up on these. I broke my two new weapons from Tenn. within 30 seconds of beginning bouting.The prototypes I used at the Event with Jake last summer held up fine but Matt Anderson and I destroyed the two padded weapons I recently received upon landing the first telling blows. <img src="/forum/images/icons/frown.gif" alt="" />

[GaryGrzybek]

Mad men <img src="/forum/images/icons/shocked.gif" alt="" />

A design flaw or are you guys just to strong? <img src="/forum/images/icons/wink.gif" alt="" />