Always wanted to try Italian Grip, Glad I did

Posted by Kristopher M Lundgren on 9th Mar 2017

I've always wanted to try an Italian Grip foil for a more classical feel, but when I was actively fencing, they were so hard to find I gave up. Fast forward 18 years, and I found myself ordering equipment for my son, and looking for parts to make a foil for him and I saw this. It didn't take much convincing for me to add it to my cart. I love this thing. The grip is very hard, and has an aggressive grip pattern that was a little marred (possibly stained with glue from the wire installation) but I don't mind. The quillions are not exactly perpendicular to the blade, so I'm giving 4 stars instead of 5, but the blade is beautiful. The Fencing post did a very nice job on this weapon. I love the feedback you get from the digit contact with the blade itself at the riccaso. Every day since my order arrived, this goes in my hand when I get home from work (much to my wife's raised eyebrows). I used it in practice last night for the first time training my son, and it was an absolute delight to handle - very different, but very natural. I don't understand why french grip dominated so much to make this grip so anachronistic. Get the weapon, and the strap (note the strap could be a touch longer, I'm on the last hole, and can snug up to the second to last after 20 minutes of flexing the pommel in the strap - if you have larger writs than I (7.5"), get a different strap), and try it out. Discover new techniques, and raise your overall appreciation and love of the sport. Thank you Fencing Post.