Ever since Smirnof was killed in 1982 the FIE has cracked down on safety -- and rightly so. Jackets must withstand a test of 800 newtons, applied with a device approximately the size of a foil button. Masks, if I remember aright, must withstand 1,200 newtons. This drives up the cost!

I had a pair of epees I bought in 1968 and thought I could use them. I could -- but only until I replaced the blades with modern metal. Apparently steel can weaken with age and as I sure Don knows, nicks in the blade WILL cause the blade to break at that point. Basically the instructors don't trust the old blades because they don't know what they have been through, how many times they've been straightened or bent, etc.

Unless you want to use the foils for fencing (which would mean replacing the blades) I suggest what Don did: hang 'em crossed on a wall and make up lies about how you used them when you were in a mensur club Augsburg and how you scarred everyone you fought without be scarred in return and how you saved that poor old nun from a gang of drug-crazed bikers and/or hippies one night when returning from fencing practice in Toronto.

Or sand the blades down, rub some cooking oil on 'em, and use them to cook shishkabob.