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Copyright © 2003-2004 Phil Elmore, all rights
reserved.
Edges2, Inc. Training Blades
A Product Review by Phil Elmore
I spoke with Bob Burgee of
Edges2
more than once in preparation for doing this review. Affable and
very understanding when an editorial problem caused a delay of his review,
Bob cheerfully sent me a sampling of his products and even provided the
tracking number so I knew when to expect the package.
The “knives” pictured are his Economy Gatorback
(red cord) and Basic Gatorback (black cord). The sword is a Basic
Flat Grip Pinuti. The pinuti was particularly welcome, as I
previously reviewed
Ray Dionaldo’s take on the
same Filipino weapon.
All three trainers show excellent craftsmanship. The
“edges” of the knives and pinuti are all well-rounded and
beveled, completely smooth and harmless to the touch. Running my
hands across the surface of all three blades, only the mill-mark surface
of the aluminum itself provided any resistance. Even the
“points” of the pinuti’s guard protrusions are smooth.
The Economy Gatorback is the quintessential aluminum
trainer. It is the size and shape of a knife, but its red cord
shouts “training tool.” The flat blade has no simulated
edge grinds. The point of balance is just behind the guard swell.
The Basic Gatorback balances just as does the
Economy Gatorback, but is better for training that emphasizes the
psychological triggers of dealing with a “real” knife. The
basic black cord has a more “tactical” appearance than the
Economy tool’s red grip. The simulated edge grinds make the blade
look more realistic than its less expensive sibling, too.
The Gatorbacks handle very well. I found them to be
great fun with which to practice. Grip transitions were easy to do,
and the palm swells and contoured shape of the handles lead the hand
naturally to a sabre grip in the forward position. The reverse grip
feels great when “capping” with the thumb, as the angle of the
butt of each knife is perfect.
The cord wrapping on these knives is
excellent. The rigging cord is visually attractive, thanks to its
contrasting speckling, and provides excellent traction. The criss-crossing
wraps are also nice and tight and cushion the palm well.
Bob’s pinuti is an excellent sword trainer.
It’s about 26 and a half inches long, with a point of balance roughly a
foot from the “pommel.” It points naturally (I like the
abbreviated top guard) and moves well.
The cord-wrapped handle shows the same attention
to detail as do the wraps on the Gatorbacks. “Flat Grip Pinuti”
is an appropriate name, because the handle does feel quite flat, yet wide
across the palm. This is because the shape of the handle swells
generously to fill the hand. Those who prefer such a grip will be
very pleased — though this cuts both ways, in that those who prefer a
“narrow” feel for the grip will wish the swell was not so wide.
The dual simulated edge grinds, like those of the
Basic Gatorback, give the sword a realistic appearance. Rounding of
the grinds where they terminate at the aluminum “body” of the
blade is well done.
I believe aluminum knives such as Bob’s
blades fill a very important role in martial training (though I do not
advocate their use for active sparring).
These are great tools and
I give them my unqualified endorsement.