Questions for Okfest

[MagnusofDregoth]

Hey, not sure if this is the right forum (if not, I can post it in another one) but I am concerned that my square-tipped stabby swords may not pass at Okfest. Is there someone who can give me a few opinions? I already talked with Derian, who seemed to feel that being flat-ended wouldn't be a reason for them to fail, but I figured I might as well solicit some other opinions.

Personally, I can't see why they would fail (they are good swords and very safe) but I've heard that Bel doesn't like them, so.

[Dane]

If it passes template and passes the hit test, it should be fine. Numenor runs this event, and we're about as stab-friendly as you can get, so you ought to be in good shape.

[MagnusofDregoth]

My understanding is that the template will be checked from all angles, rather than head-on. Is that the case?

[Dane]

1.3.3. Two and one-half inch rule-No surface on a striking edge (sword tip, arrow head, spear head, javelin head, etc.) whether designed for stabbing or not, may readily pass more than 0.5 inch through a 2.5 inch hole; swords with a semicircular tip, with a minimum 1.5 inch radius are exempt from this rule. See Appendix A, 1.4.4.2.

You and your squared swords...

I take it that if one were to template the corners, it would fail. We haven't seen enough flat-topped swords to have an "official" ruling on this. However, I would think that since a semicircular sword has two corners, as well, and the rules don't seem to think that's a safety issue, then your flat-topped sticks should be fine.

The spirit of the rule seems to intend to prevent eyes from being poked out from a misguided stab, so I'd pass your swords, and most if not all of the people I typically do weapons check with would pass your weapons, provided they're not failing in another capacity.

If all else fails, we can build them Mickey Mouse ears with open cell...

[Big King Jimmy]

I would say they have about as much chance of passing as my speed bat at a dag event.

[kree]

ive never been stabbed by a square stabby tip but as long as you cant feel core at the end it should pass for blue, stabbing is for the birds anyway....jk

[Big King Jimmy]

1.3.3. Two and one-half inch rule-No surface on a striking edge (sword tip, arrow head, spear head, javelin head, etc.) whether designed for stabbing or not, may readily pass more than 0.5 inch through a 2.5 inch hole; swords with a semicircular tip, with a minimum 1.5 inch radius are exempt from this rule. See Appendix A, 1.4.4.2.

You and your squared swords...

I take it that if one were to template the corners, it would fail. We haven't seen enough flat-topped swords to have an "official" ruling on this. However, I would think that since a semicircular sword has two corners, as well, and the rules don't seem to think that's a safety issue, then your flat-topped sticks should be fine.

The spirit of the rule seems to intend to prevent eyes from being poked out from a misguided stab, so I'd pass your swords, and most if not all of the people I typically do weapons check with would pass your weapons, provided they're not failing in another capacity.

If all else fails, we can build them Mickey Mouse ears with open cell...

The corners on a semi circular sword don't come anywhere near my face. I think it's far more likely that a square tip sword corners someone in the eye than a semicircular tip sword stabs someone in the eye, we should be more diligent on the corners, not less.

[bo1]

while i tend to agree jimmy, i am unsure of the actual saftey hazard.

i understand that the corner may get into the eye, but honestly dag has had this for years and all of the still have 2 eyes. i would pass them, provided they are good in all other ways, and i am sure they are, magnus has a good rep, and generally a good guy as far as i have seen.

[MagnusofDregoth]

Why thank you, Bo.

Worst comes to worst, I could just cut the corners off, but that would actually make the weapon less safe. The tip is squared in order to provide a larger surface for the impact and make it easier for the tip to deform around the target. The corners themselves are basically just marine foam with some tape over them, so they really aren't going to put anyone's eye out.

I did make a Derian/PtQ style stabby sword, but it hits a LOT harder and I am frankly not sure it's going to pass. But at least it's rounded!

[varadin]

Magnus what was your base on the Bele stab design blue foam or eva? Either way it should pass out there. Bele has a far higher hit tollerance on stabs then anything in dag. Ive yet to get hurt by a stab like it so im still fighting for a firmer stab in dag.

[MagnusofDregoth]

It's a 3-layer wrap box design, so the tip is 3/4" of marine foam over 3 layers of blue.

[varadin]

should be fine

[Big King Jimmy]

I've never seen anyone get stabbed in the eye either, but a rule is a rule, you can't pick or choose it's enforcement. We're not even **** with the wording and pulling stuff out of no where. If the rule is used exactly as it's clearly written, they fail for the same reason a just as safe sword that's seen a little wear and tear on the tip will: They both break a rule I've never seen save anyone, useless rules must be uniformly uselessly applied.

[MagnusofDregoth]

Just thought I would update:

All my square-tipped swords passed at Okfest, except one that failed for stabbing perhaps because a) it is a heavy sword, 24oz blue, and b) it was cold so the marine foam was a lot stiffer than usual.

So, that was a nice thing to happen.