Anyone know whats up with Hanwei?

[Llewelyn Gododdin]

Hey guys I am looking for a cheap fencing dagger blade and every one seems to be out of hanwei blades, what gives?

[Cian of Storvik]

I read something about a fire about a year ago at their factory in Dalian. No estimate to the return to normal production.
I've heard of some people had pre-ordered some new swords over 16 mos. ago and still have no word on when/if they'll get their purchase.
-Cian

[Ironbadger]

Hmm...Last I heard, the Hanwei fencing dagger blades were very questionable due to a few snapping about halfway up, leaving a jagged end?
(I think they had been suspended from use at some point in SCA fencing because of this?)

I bought an Alchem dagger blade through James the Just for that reason.

If you're set on one, James should have a few left.

-Badger-

[Llewelyn Gododdin]

well maybe I will just get an alchem blade then, ah well. Thanks guys!

[Ironbadger]

I really suggest James instead of dealing directly with Alchem- you'll get your blade a lot quicker.

http://amazoniaenterprises.com/Blades.htm

-Badger-

[Llewelyn Gododdin]

Thanks Badger you never steer me wrong!

[Ironbadger]

Glad to help.
I mentioned James both because he is the absolute best vendor for SCA fencing gear, but also because there've been complaints in the past that Alchem can take a LONG time to deliver orders.
Like.. months and months.

No idea if they got their act together.. But James has their stuff in stock, and he is really good to deal with.

-Badger-

Thanks Badger you never steer me wrong!

[Christophe de Frisselle]

http://www.casiberia.com/resources.aspx?node=702

''We have been advised by Hanwei that they were unable to complete their new factory building before winter weather halted construction, and as a result they have stopped production until April. In addition factory prices will increase once production resumes. We believe that the increases are partly due to sharply increased labor and material costs in China but have been given no information beyond this. This temporary disruption in product from Hanwei will have no affect on our GDFB or Rawlings polymer sparring sword lines. Thanks from everyone at CAS Hanwei for your continued support, we'll do our best to keep everyone up to date as we get further information from Hanwei!'

[Eric Slyter]

Regarding the Hanwei flexi dagger blades, I had one break off on me in a bout about 1/4 of the way from the tip (we were using them hilted up as rondels and doing period dagger techniques in close to full power bouts.) I did not notice a significant increase in impact as it snapped and the broken edge hit me (I was wearing a gambeson). This was a powerful downward stab to my chest using an icepick grip. We obviously stopped using it immediately, but I don't feel that there was danger in using these blades and would do so again. I'll also add that the dagger was used in dozens of fierce bouts and the end had been bent to the point of taking a set on a number of occasions prior to breaking. When used like that, really, it's only a matter of time before any blade snaps.

[Ironbadger]

Well, I found on a quick search a mention that the Hanweis were banned in Trimaris due to an incident.
The ban was lifted in September of 2011, and new inspection rules were instated.

http://www.sca-rapier-news.com/2011/09/ ... lades.html

That might be the incident I am thinking of.. Though for some reason I keep thinking there was a temporary ban that was at the society marshal level.

Had a look at the SCA.org site- can't find a mention. So I guess I was confusing it with the Trimaris thing.

-Badger-