But, playing with them with senior students really won me over.
They are fast, safe, slick, and strong. Their impacts do not feel nearly as solid as wood either.
They have a “flex” to them that is not unlike using steel blades, and therefore they actually adjust to historical techniques better than wood. Most interestingly is that they feel slicker and perform more fluidly on each other, again closer to steel ones, and don’t “drag” as much as wood.
They also feel better in free-play because you have every confident they will not break or splinter or crack. They require less maintenance too ---just some sanding and flexing back by hand if they bend too much. The material is indestructible, so it’s the last waster you should ever need.
I’m not replacing my wooden ones, but I’m impressed and I feel confident in these. I would definitely recommend them now.
They are or will soon be available in a variety of models, including tapered bastard swords & short messers, through Eric Winkler of the Appellation ARMA Study Group in Wisconsin. More info to follow.
JC
