Thanks to Natasha Darce',
I just received a pair of the new VB blunts that are now available from
Purpleheart. These are also available with wheel/disc pommels, but I
prefer this type as it extends the handle for use with gloves.
I
absolutely love these things and I'm really happy they will be on the
market. Before I go into why, I'd like to say these aren't actually
blunts, at least as that word is commonly used. The term "blunt" is
typically used to refer to swords which have the geometry of sharp
swords but with edges that aren't sharpened. Consequently, their edges
are quite thin. A blunt is a sword that can be turned into a sharp.
Maybe not always a great sharp, but all the "blunts" I've seen,
including the Chlebowski XVa blunt that I won at Schwertkampf 2013, can
be turned into a pretty good sharp sword. These VB swords cannot be made
into functional sharps. They have feder blades, complete with excellent
safety flex in the weak.
Why do I love these things?
1.
They are about the size of most of my sharps. The blade is about half an
inch longer, and the handle is about an inch, inch and a half longer.
So they are small enough to drill at realistic distance for the type of
smaller longsword that I am interested in, but just big enough to use
with gloves. Being a lot smaller than a typical feder, they can also be
used by smaller people without causing as many issues. They also feel
great in the hands and have good point control. They feel very lively. I
enjoy using them.
2. They don't have schilts. I am starting to
hate schilts, as they often get in the way of some technique drills.
I'm tired of saying, "Well it's getting caught up on the schilt, but in a
real sword, blah blah blah." If I'm fencing without gloves or with
light gloves, I want a schilt. Otherwise, no thank you.
3. They
fit perfectly in my list of needs/wants for a training tool. I want a
sharp to solo train and cut with, a blunt to drill with, and a sword
exactly like this one to fence with in normal gear, and a feder to
compete with. If I don't have a blunt, then this sword is much better
than a feder for drilling. There is no obnoxiously long handle, or
obnoxiously long blade. I currently use a custom Chclebowski with a
handle shortened by one inch, and these will be replacing that tool for
most of my paired drilling, mostly because the blade flex is much better
and I can thrust harder without hurting people. I will also be fencing
with these swords most of the time instead of my Regenyei, which is
significantly longer than any of my sharps.
Video review coming soon.