[Ansteorra] siloflex swords

[Stefan li Rous]

Helena Dalassene asked:
<<< Might I beg Sir Simon to please contact me off list?  I am in  
need of
your knowledge regarding a non-metal basket hilt.  I saw your sword(s)
at BAM and have a quick question about them.  We spoke briefl before
the fights on Saturday, and during, about the siloflex swords. >>>

 From time to time I've seen mention of this material. I assume this  
is being used as a substitute as rattan gets more expensive or  
difficult to get. In the Florlegium I have a file on rattan with  
sources and how to work it. I'd like to hear some similar information  
about this siloflex.

How does it compare to rattan? What are its pro? and cons? When made  
into an SCA weapon does it handle differently than the same type of  
weapon made of rattan? Where do you get the stuff?

If anyone has written an article on siloflex, or is willing to write  
one, I'd love to consider it for the Florilegium. Or if folks want to  
post messages here or by email that would work also. I think this  
info might be of interest to new fighters as well as more experienced  
ones across the Known World.

Thanks,
   Stefan
--------
THLord Stefan li Rous    Barony of Bryn Gwlad    Kingdom of Ansteorra
    Mark S. Harris           Austin, Texas           
StefanliRous at austin.rr.com
**** See Stefan's Florilegium files at:  http://www.florilegium.org ****