This Classical Fencing foil marks a new step in the making of custom grips using the Fabulous Machine seen in a previous post. It is a commissioned weapon created to the specifications of a client. The name reflects the lightness of the foil in the hand. The blade is one of few remaining blades forged by Blaise Freres in France before the company was sold. The quality of this blade allows it to be ground and honed for quick response to the fingers without sacrificing control of the point.
The guard selected by the client is a Fleur de Lis pattern from Benjamin Arms. The grip is a light Poplar wood core wrapped with hardened cord and twisted steel wire. The pommel is custom cut stainless steel in conical shape. A stainless steel ferule cups the end of the wood grip to prevent mushrooming and compress the cord windings.
The Fabulous Machine allows the simultaneous winding of multiple wraps, in this case cords and wire, without the need for layering or spacing guesswork. Each winding is in direct contact with the wood grip core, adding strength while maintaining sensitivity in handling. The larger diameter cord is hardened to provide a sure grip in the hand. Particularly amazing is how the grip transfers the lightest touch of the blade to the fingers while still damping aggressive hits from an opponents blade.
The use of wire windings, particularly multiple wires, is a complex skill still to be mastered. Once again, I credit Joel Mason of Jacob's Armoury for designs and photos of his work.
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