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1. Choosing a Waster | |
The Martial Arts scene has been seeing tremendous growth. Due to this, there has been an increase in the number of inferior and dangerous wooden training swords on the market. Luckily, we have a select vendor list of approved distributors around the world. Some makers have made copies of our swords -- they look similar in a picture, but use inferior wood and joining techniques. Our Wasters are the finest on the market, and you will not be disappointed! Before purchasing a training sword from any company:
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2. Materials used for our Wooden Wasters | |
Our Wasters are made from crop grown American Hickory, the best wood for martial arts weapons. Hickory is used to make axe and hammer handles, so it is known for toughness and durability. The hickory that we select is hand pulled in a very select region of the United States. It is sorted for highest quality by the lumberjack, inspected by the sawyer, then inspected at 5 different operations during manufacturing. Sometimes called 'Impact Grade', it is also used in the press beds of steel forming machinery. It has a good weight that gives the weapon fair balance when compared to it steel counterparts. There are many other tropical hardwoods such as ironwood, bloodwood, purpleheart, cocobola, etc, that can make excellent wasters. Due to the cost, time, and questionable origins of these woods, they are not available. Our Wasters are solid wood weapons made to withstand the rigors of serious martial training. They are designed after actual weapons in the same manner as historical wooden practice-swords ("wasters"). They are ideal safe, practical, training tools. |
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3. Wooden vs Synthetic Wasters vs Steel Trainers | |
Historically, training was done with inexpensive wooden swords (wasters). Training and sparring were also done with more expensive steel feders. They had much less protective equipment than what is available today. Because of this, we believe participants practiced with significant control and precision, and moderate force and speed. Today's modern sparring only requires moderate control and precision and allows for heavy force and speed. Our synthetic weapons are perfect for this style of sparring. They have the advantage of bending on thrusts as well and lower cost. The steel is similar at a higher cost.
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4. Caring for your Waster | |
Caring for your Synthetic Waster
Caring for your Wooden Waster Your waster will be coated with a mixture of Boiled Linseed oil and Mineral Spirits (about 50/50). This creates a barrier between the environment and the wood to prevent it from from drying out and becoming brittle. You can not over-oil them! Let the oil sit on the wood for 15 minutes then wipe the excess away with a clean cloth. If the wood is very dry, there may not be much to wipe away. The oil will provide superior protection to the wood and extend its useful life. Tung oil can also be used with much the same results and give a shiner finish. Its just a little more expensive. Caution: Please be careful with Linseed oil. Wet rags can spontaneously ignite, so follow all safety precautions. An old North Country English saying is Once a day for a week, Once a week for a month, Once a month for a year, And once a year for life. Well, that's a lot, but it will last forever. However, one of our best customers has not oiled his wasters for 10 years and he still regularly uses them with no problems. A light sanding with the 220 grit sandpaper can also be used to removed dirt and grime that builds up on the handle area. It will also make the blade nice and smooth. Regularly check your waster for any splinters that may appear. These should be sanded out with 120 grit sandpaper and then smoothed over with 220 grit. Re-oil the spot as required.
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4. Disenfecting your Equipment in COVID times | |
If you need to disinfect your equipment between users, like loaner equipment. Here are some ideas. Synthetic Waster The grip area is of concern. I'd use a non-alcohol cleaner. Alcohol ones may break down the glue on the grip. For extra protection, I'd probably put some coats of polyurethane over the grip. Just goop it on and let dry. Then you can be more aggressive cleaning it. About 20 minutes in the sun will kill COVID. Do both sides. Just don't leave it in hot sun over an hour, it will start to flex more and be prone to warping. Wooden Waster I think any alcohol disinfectant would eventually dry out the wood. I don't know how long, like maybe a year, maybe 10 years. So it may not be a big deal for a quick wipe. The non-alcohol ones, if its a wipe-on-wipe-off quickly, should be fine. But wood doesn't like moisture at all. What I probably would do, is put a 2-3 coats of polyurethane on the grip guard and pommel. Not so much the blade, it will just get chipped off. That will give you a plastic/glossy smooth finish to work with. then you can probably use any cleaner on that, and it would be easy. About 20 minutes in the sun will kill COVID as well. Do both sides. Just don't leave it in hot sun over a couple hours, the wood will dry out and start to warp. Steel Swords Anything will be fine. Don't let liquids sit on the steel or it would rust. I'd oil afterwards. Again, the grip is at issue. If its cord wrapped, see the synthetic above. If its leather. Stick with the non-alcohol cleaners, spray on wipe off. Put a 2-3 coats of polyurethane on the grip
guard and pommel. Not so much the blade, it will just get chipped off. That
will give you a plastic/glossy smooth finish to work with. then you
can probably use any cleaner on that, and it would be easy. About 20 minutes in the sun will kill COVID as well. Do both sides. Clothing and masks. Hopefully everyone has their own by now, but a good spray of disinfectant. Leaving in the sun for 20+ minutes will kill COVID as well. But getting all the hidden spots in fabric products will be more difficult. Check if alcohol cleaners will bleach the fabric. Wash clothing according to instructions here... |
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5. Warranty | |
These weapons are called Wasters for a reason. Eventually they will get Wasted. They are designed to hit other Wasters, scrape the ground, hit Pells, and hit your opponent. However, just like everything else, depending on their use/abuse, they will eventually be too torn up to use anymore.
Our Warranty on Wood Wasters:
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