Why is Aluminum tape not allowed on SCA Weapons?

[Jack Slayde]

Why is Aluminum tape not allowed on SCA weapons? I used to use it all the time, and recently found out that it was not allowed. Why? Any actual reason for this that anyone knows of?

Jack

[morristh]

Why is Aluminum tape not allowed on SCA weapons? I used to use it all the time, and recently found out that it was not allowed. Why? Any actual reason for this that anyone knows of?

Jack

If by Aluminum tape you mean the metal tape, it will shred and cut the fool out of someone.

Tim

[Jack Slayde]

I know a lot of people who have used it in the past, and never had any problems at all...but I guess there is the chance of damage...Too bad, the stuff looks really good on weapons

Jack

[sebastian]

Aluminum Tape is made by bonding a very thin layer of actual metal to the tape.

This simply violates the "No metal in weapon construction" rule.

[Lienhart Fischer]

I enjoy having 2 eyes that work in my skull
if you need that shiney look there is mylar tape thats a nice silver

-T

[Asbjorn Johansen]

1. NO METAL, PLASTIC, OR PVC MAY BE USED IN THE STRIKING
SURFACE OR SURFACES OF ANY WEAPON.

It violates this Society level rule if used on the edge of the sword.

It illustrates the challenge of creating construction rules that cover every eventuality. Even though its possible to have a metal tape that is safe for SCA use. (A metal powder that was attached to a flexible base for instance), writing the exception into the rules for just this instance would seem to add more complication with only very limited benefit.

Of course if you can show that your particular tape is a safe metal tape is safe, you could argue that marshal’s should allow it due to current practice with other illegal materials being used in the striking surface of weapons. Some other forms of tape use forms of plastic, another prohibited substance, as films or filaments in their construction, but marshals don’t bat an eye… (don’t actually expect to get any traction with this argument, the rule should probably be rewritten to read “hard plasticâ€Â

[William Lee]

There is a brand of mylar-coated duct tape that I use. As it doesn't have actual metal in it, it works just fine for our purposes. I would most definitely shy away from aluminum tape, however--I know of people who have been cut in the face due to slivers getting out when the tape isn't maintained.

Plus, it violates the "No metal on weapons" rule.

[Vladimir]

I used to use the stuff all the time when I did HVAC work. It can cut the hell out of you if your not careful with it.

How durable is that mylar coated duct tape? Also, where do you find it?

[Rev. George]

NO METAL, PLASTIC, OR PVC MAY BE USED IN THE STRIKING
SURFACE OR SURFACES OF ANY WEAPON.

Doesnt this men that you may not have ductape or electrical tape on your sword? they are, after all, plastic. Also shot are shrinktubiung, siloflex and the like.

Now I know that's not the case, but it seems to be a similar interpretation of the rules if that is in fact the rule that bans metal tape.... not that bANNING METAL TAPE IS A BAD IDEA...


-+g

[Morgan]

My argument against what you're saying, Rev, is "common use" and "common interpreteation."

The spirt of the law, not the letter.

Common sense vs. rule lawyering.

Some folks simply didn't know that the metal tapes could do the nasty things they can do. We know that the "plastic" in duct tape isn't what they meant.

[sebastian]

In ref to the Mylar tape.

I know that those who use it can tell the difference, but have you ever considered the fact that the Mylar and the aluminum tapes are very similar in appearence, and the average person can not tell the difference?

If your gonna use the Mylar, please do not gripe when someone bounces it, thinking it to be aluminum tape.

[William Lee]

In ref to the Mylar tape.

I know that those who use it can tell the difference, but have you ever considered the fact that the Mylar and the aluminum tapes are very similar in appearence, and the average person can not tell the difference?

They are only similar in appearance insofar as they are both shiny. Upon close inspection, it is clearly apparent that they are in no way similar--in fact, a roll of Mylar tape looks exactly like regular duct tape--only shinier.

If your gonna use the Mylar, please do not gripe when someone bounces it, thinking it to be aluminum tape.

The only person that would bounce it is someone who is sufficiently inexperienced a marshal that they cannot tell the difference between the two. Let me sum it up for you:

• Aluminum tape is in essence a heavy aluminum foil with an adhesive backing. If the surface is broken, it leaves a sharp edge that can cut exposed skin or tissues.
  
• Mylar tape is a metallic-colored plastic sheet with a cloth adhesive backing. If the surface is broken, it pretty much acts like duct tape.

They are in no way alike, other than they both look metallic.

[Morgan]

If someone attempts to bounce it, you don't COMplain, you EXplain. Sheesh. THEN if they bounce it, you go up the chain.

[Jack Slayde]

I never put the tape on the striking surface, just the sides of the sword. I have some of the mylar tape that I have used to good effect also...I still use electrical tape for the striking surface on all swords though.

Also, after experimenting with the tape I used to use, I couldn't manage to make it cut me (I tried)...oh, well...just interpretation of rules I guess.

I was just wondering, cause the stuff looks so good...the mylar looks really nice too, though

Jack

[Rev. George]

My argument against what you're saying, Rev, is "common use" and "common interpreteation."

The spirt of the law, not the letter.

Common sense vs. rule lawyering.

Some folks simply didn't know that the metal tapes could do the nasty things they can do. We know that the "plastic" in duct tape isn't what they meant.

But the puyrpose of putting the "no metal or plastic" into the rules was to prevent materials that would add mass or rigidity. saying you cant use tape X becasue it contains material Y is rules lawyering.

-+G

[Hentai Guy]

But the puyrpose of putting the "no metal or plastic" into the rules was to prevent materials that would add mass or rigidity. saying you cant use tape X becasue it contains material Y is rules lawyering.

Aluminum tape does add mass...pick up a roll of duct tape and pick up some foil tape, the difference in mass is very notable. Also it may well add rigidity, it's pretty stern stuff.

[losthelm]

a quick way to tell the differance is to run your finger nail acrost the tape if it tears or leaves a markable indent its aluminum hvac tape.
if it does not tear or marks like the inside of a potato chip bag its mylar.

the aluminum tape does not have any fiber reinforcing in it. almost like spray adheasive on

the mylar is like ducktape for the most part.