Blade Info |
Blades have a few main parts: clear tube, diffuser, and tip.
For the tube, I primarily use thickwalled 1" dueling stock from TCSS. It is extremely durable; will scratch, but I dare you to break it! I can also use their thinwalled blade stock, which is lighter and will provide a wider looking blade, but is not recommended for dueling. (Thinwalled blades only come with Corbin style diffuser - see below)
If you wish, I can also use 3/4" thick or thin walled stock, I just can't use shouldered tips. (see below)
As far as diffusers go, I usually use TCSS regular diffusers or Corbin style film. The regular diffuser will give a nice even glow, and looks white when not lit. The Corbin style film is an etched film that gives the impression that there is a laser core running down the center of the blade. This style appears mostly clear when unlit.
If there is another type of diffuser you want to use, we can discuss it. If you really like Ultrablades for example, i can make something pretty close to it, or you can just use a blade from them, it will fit in my sabers.
For tips, I usually try to use shouldered ones, but they are only available for 1" blades. The ones without shoulders work fine, but the shouldered ones will do a little better job of not coming off. And yes, at some point the tip is probably going to come off if you use it for dueling. If it does, just clean it off, use a good clear glue (Weld 3 is a good one, or GOOP) and stick it back on. To prevent tip loss, I recommend using some clear tape when dueling. That way if the glue does pop loose, at least the tip won't fly into the neighbor's yard (and it will). You really can't see the tape from a bit away and especially once the saber is in motion. A good investment for your time as if you lose the tip, the blade won't really light up and you have to wait a week or two to get a new one in.
All my tips come with a mirror inside of some kind to help reflect the light back down the blade and even it out. If you get a blade from somewhere else, make sure there is a mirror in the tip or you will be disappointed!
For more information feel free to e-mail me at [email protected]
