Sweat+Metal…Not Good Bedfellows

I know this isn’t my usual time for sending an update, but just wanted to mention this for people that own their own equipment.

Most of our fencers have the single compartment fencing bag. These are not like the bags you see standing next to the coach’s closets. Those bags are two compartment so we’re able to keep our uniform and our weapons separate.

But if you have a single compartment bag and you keep your weapons and your uniform in the same bag, you may want to consider making a “scabbard” for your weapons. Why? Because any moisture in your jackets (like sweat after practice), will begin to rust your fencing weapon. Not great for practice weapons, definitely not great for electric weapons.

Also, if there’s rust on your weapon, you’ll start to get rust marks on your uniform.

Scabbards are easy and cheap to make. Even the ones you buy from fencing equipment suppliers just use PVC pipes. To make a simple scabbard, buy a a small PVC pipe (but make sure the hole is large enough to fit the widest end of your weapon). Then cut the scabbard down so that it’s about an inch longer than your weapon.

There’s a good discussion about different ways of customizing and making your scabbard on Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/Fencing/comments/moqbrj/making_a_blade_sheath_from_pvc/

If you are starting to get rust on your weapon, rust can be easily cleaned off with a scotch-brite pad or other abrasive pad, or steel wool.

Same goes with your foil mask. The lame on the bib and moisture do not make good bedfellows. Some students just use an old pillow case to cover their mask in their bag and that will work fine.

Here’s some other quick links and updates:
August Beginner Tournament: https://www.askfred.net/tournaments/f31590a3-de3c-419c-952e-5ebcae8736c4
Tournament schedule: http://schedule.allamericanfencing.com
Update or Renew Your USA Fencing Membership: https://allamericanfencing.com/usafencingmembership/