SDC Handmade Blades

[SDC]

#1407 - 5+2 Inner - ALL+

Flexibility ≠ Elasticity. These two concepts are not the same, and many times people confuse them. I will confess that sometimes I'm guilty of this too, I use the term flexibility when in reality what I mean is elasticity, but normally I'm just trying to use the terms that the general public uses. But no more! 😂

Ok, so what is the difference? Flexibility is the ability of a body or system to bend, adapt, or change easily without breaking or suffering damage. Elasticity is the ability of a material to return to its original shape and size after being stretched, compressed, or deformed. So when we say a blade is flexible because it has a very good catapult effect, in reality we are saying it's elastic, because it has the ability to bend and snap into position. A flexible blade dissipates energy, an elastic blade returns the energy.

This blade proves this concept. Within the HL5 structure, I tired to make it as flexible as possible, I rotated the core and fiber and made it a little thinner. I also used an over-sized Cyber shape to make the center of gravity higher, further increasing the flexibility. The dwell time on this one is huge, you can strike the ball, go grab a cup of coffee, and when you come back it will still be on the rubber. However, it doesn't kick... The energy is dissipated because the blade is not "fighting" the movement. I can see this one being used by a defensive player who wants something not too slow, a good compromise between defense and attack.

Oh, the pink stripe on the handle is EVA, which I haven't used before. Quite comfortable actually, makes the handle a bit softer on the hand and the texture is nice.

Available FS.

- Limba / Ayous / Ay-C / Ayous core
- 83.5g
- 5.6mm
- Cyber L 158x158mm
- ST (101x22.8x28.6mm)
- Balance: 4.2cm (High)

 

[Archosaurus]

Thanks for posting about the specific qualities of the wood materials and the engineering troubles associated with them.

I'm more used to more standardized materials with less variation between them (Maybe 10%, and it's represented concretely as a different model...) so I tend to have gaps in logic when thinking about blade design. Really we should probably ignore wood species entirely at this point and just list out parameter sets.

 

[Tyce]

Thanks for posting about the specific qualities of the wood materials and the engineering troubles associated with them.

I'm more used to more standardized materials with less variation between them (Maybe 10%, and it's represented concretely as a different model...) so I tend to have gaps in logic when thinking about blade design. Really we should probably ignore wood species entirely at this point and just list out parameter sets.

Take a read on Sergio's website very informative, I think you'll like it

 

[Vrael]

#1406 - Inner 7+2 - OFF-/OFF

This one was supposed to go to another customer but sometimes I get ahead of myself, so here it is... It's based on my personal blade, which in turn is based on a W968 structure (can I still call it that?). The difference is that it is a 7+2 blade, instead of a 5+2. Why? Well, I like to have a soft feeling on my blades, and a nice kick as well. In order to achieve that, the medial ply should be soft, as that is the most important layer when it comes to feeling, and the core must be dense. The problem is that it's not always easy to find the correct density for the medial layer, so I had to do a workaround. The medial on this structure is fairly thick (~0.8mm), and all my thicker Ayous veneers were denser than I wanted, but I did have some thinner veneers with the correct density, which was what I used. Even with an extra layer of glue, the medial ended up lighter than with a single layer. Do you know about the 9 ply Clippers? I think that Stiga must have faced the same issue in the past 😅.

Anyway, is this detrimental to the performance of the blade? Not at all, in this scenario is actually beneficial because it gives the extra softness I was looking for, and also a bit more flexibility too, and then I can used a nice and dense core without making the whole thing too heavy. I can speak confidently about this one because I know it well. What I like about it the most is the feeling it has, it's soft but not mushy, you know exactly where the ball hit because the feedback is clear and precise. It feels very controlled over the table, but it also has very decent speed away from it (gears?). It's stable enough for blocking but it excels at counter hits, which is basically how I play. Slow and spinny open ups, and 5th ball attacks or counters.

Available FS.

- Limba / Ayous / Ayous / A-C / Ayous core
- 88.1g
- 6.1mm
- 160x150mm
- FL (100x24.8-23.0mm)
- Balance: 3.3cm (Med)

sold ? Can't see it on the website

 

[SDC]

sold ? Can't see it on the website

Almost immediately...

 

[SDC]

#1417 - Outer 5+2 1k Ax-C - OFF-

One of my favorite builds in a while, not because the blade itself is amazing, but because this new fabric opens up a lot of possibilities. It's a 90 g/m2 version of my usual Ax-C fabric, so it has only vertical Carbon threads and horizontal Aramid threads. The threads are 1k (instead of the usual 3k), so they are very fine. And why does this matter? Because in terms of light fabrics that I work with, it's the one that most impacts the speed of the blade. In other words, it's the fastest/lightest fabric that I have. Although the fabric is light, the vertical carbon is enough to increase the stiffness of the blade, but the horizontal Aramid keeps the touch very natural and gives it some elasticity.

But why does it open up new possibilities? Because the fabric is so light, that allows me to use that weight saving in other layers of the composition. In this case, I used an extremely dense Ayous core, and the blade still turned out moderately light and well balanced. It's not an amazing blade but it's a very well rounded one, it kinda feels like an inner zlc blade but with a more woody touch. The handle is on the chunky side on this one.

Available FS.

- Limba /1k Ax-C / Ayous / Ayous core
- 86.2g
- 5.55mm
- 150x157mm
- ST (100x23.0x29.3mm)
- Balance: 2.9cm (Low/Med)

 

[SDC]

#1413 - Outer B-S - OFF/OFF+

I lost count of how many different lamination methods I have, but here's another one. Sometimes they are just little nuances which don't change much, which makes me think that, if a random guy like me is doing these things, then maybe the big "B" is also doing something different with all their ALC variants. Normally I'm looking for more feeling and elasticity, but in this case I used a harder resin and a different way of laminating the fiber. It kinda looks like a Maze, I did so because it has a similar structure, but it resonates at 1485 Hz, which is on the higher end of the spectrum for that kind of blade. Usually they are a bit more flexible/softer, and although it doesn't feel hard per se, it does have more prominent "Blue-Stuff" feel. However, it also feels more stable, with a bigger sweetspot, less vibrations and faster. Personally, it's not my thing, but some players do enjoy this kind of blade. The handle is also similar but a bit fuller and completely solid, which gives this blade a very low balance.

Available FS.

- Limba / B-S / Ayous / Kiri core
- 89.6g
- 5.6mm
- 156.5x149mm
- FL (100x25.0-23.9mm)
- Balance: 2.1cm (Very Low)

 

[SDC]

#1418 - Outer B-S - OFF

Yet another variation on the lamination method of the fiber. My main objective was always to have a better feeling with these types of blades (less glassy), without sacrificing speed, and I do believe it was accomplished. I tested this blade against a Vis, with the same rubbers, and to be really honest it was superior in all aspects. Is this how a Golden Vis is supposed to feel? Maybe... My main problem is that I never actually tested the Golden Vis, so it's hard for me to know exactly what to look for, but this does feel like a step up from the 88g Vis I compared it to. It doesn't have that initial springiness that Vis has, which I find a good thing, because it makes the short game a lot better and also the whole power curve a lot more predictable. However, top end speed is the same, if not higher. Feeling wise, it's not a fluffy pillow, but it's not hard either. The main difference is that I feel less unpleasant vibrations and a bigger sweetspot, the feedback is there but is very precise. This may also have to do with the handle, which is quite chunky (bigger than Vis) and mostly solid. It also gives this blade a very low balance, making it extremely maneuverable despite the weight. The throw angle is also a notch higher, which makes it much more user friendly, especially when opening up against backspin.

Available FS.

- Koto / Blue-Stuff / Ayous / Kiri core
- 89.4g
- 5.8mm
- 157x150mm
- FL (101x25.2-23.4mm)
- Balance: 2.1cm (Very Low)

 

[Matteones]

I have never seen any of these available on the website, how long does it take to sell them, 5 seconds ?

 

[SDC]

I have never seen any of these available on the website, how long does it take to sell them, 5 seconds ?

Yes, it's a good problem to have 🙂.

But it also makes me think of how dumb I am. I could earn more money and work way less, if I just opted for the easy way and started to mass produce. Instead, I keep holding on to this silly belief of trying to give people exactly what they want 😂.

 

[Taute]

Yes, it's a good problem to have 🙂.

But it also makes me think of how dumb I am. I could earn more money and work way less, if I just opted for the easy way and started to mass produce. Instead, I keep holding on to this silly belief of trying to give people exactly what they want 😂.

That was the most horrible thing I've ever read from you Please keep pushing such thoughts aside and continue to bring us joy, instead of forcing us to buy "plywood with handles" (my house is already full of those)

P.S. I want to ask: are your products someone's "wishes" when people just change their minds and you put them up for sale, or experiments? I'm only asking because my queue, where I'm standing, is very slowly approaching the end

 

[Grumms]

Yes, it's a good problem to have 🙂.

But it also makes me think of how dumb I am. I could earn more money and work way less, if I just opted for the easy way and started to mass produce. Instead, I keep holding on to this silly belief of trying to give people exactly what they want 😂.

You would be a mere OSP bis. Would it work ?

Only my opinion, but what makes me want to have a blade from you is the complete customization. Most people are pleased with the commercial blades, but are happier with a unique blade no one can have.

 

[Tyce]

I mean look at it this way. You provide a unique service and the demand is so good that you can get rid of pretty much any surplus creation, whether it's an experiment or a finished product that didn't pass the customer's exact wishes.

What an amazing position to be in!

And even after saying that, and not having had my turn yet, I still think you could easily up the base prices. Or just say no to requests you don't really want to execute.

Of course you could try to produce a "model" but that would give rise to completely new issues like consistency between specimen.

Making a limited edition run of blades from a single batch of veneers might be a middle ground to explore... Minimal consistency issues, make a run of good sellers or something you really want to put out there

 

[SDC]

That was the most horrible thing I've ever read from you Please keep pushing such thoughts aside and continue to bring us joy, instead of forcing us to buy "plywood with handles" (my house is already full of those)

P.S. I want to ask: are your products someone's "wishes" when people just change their minds and you put them up for sale, or experiments? I'm only asking because my queue, where I'm standing, is very slowly approaching the end

There is a little bit of both, but these blades don't disturb (too much) the natural order of things. Custom orders are always my main focus, but whenever I get some free time from my blade building job, I like to build blades 😄. Sometimes I have dead spots because layers are in the press curing, or I'm waiting for materials to arrive, or I'm waiting for some reply from the owner so I can proceed, or whatever other reason...

You would be a mere OSP bis. Would it work ?

Only my opinion, but what makes me want to have a blade from you is the complete customization. Most people are pleased with the commercial blades, but are happier with a unique blade no one can have.

Yes, I'm aware of that, I was just kidding 😄.

I mean look at it this way. You provide a unique service and the demand is so good that you can get rid of pretty much any surplus creation, whether it's an experiment or a finished product that didn't pass the customer's exact wishes.

What an amazing position to be in!

And even after saying that, and not having had my turn yet, I still think you could easily up the base prices. Or just say no to requests you don't really want to execute.

Of course you could try to produce a "model" but that would give rise to completely new issues like consistency between specimen.

Making a limited edition run of blades from a single batch of veneers might be a middle ground to explore... Minimal consistency issues, make a run of good sellers or something you really want to put out there

Limited runs are definitely in the books, I just need to find a set of hands to help me.

 

[SDC]

#1420 - Inner GF - OFF-/OFF

Douglas Fir, often confused with Spruce, is one of the alternatives to Hinoki. The problem is usually the weight, the average density is higher than Hinoki's, but the particular layers that I've used here are actually quite light. It doesn't have the same springiness as Kiso Hinoki (nothing has...), but it feels very close to other kinds of Hinoki, for example from the Kumamoto region that I also work with. The main advantage is that it's much easier to source, since it's much more available, the problem is finding the correct density. It's been a while since I used a Spruce core, and I thought it would pair well with the light outer layers. There's a very thin glass-fiber layer between them, just to dampen some vibrations. It feels like a very solid blade, and reasonably fast on the higher gears, perfect for someone who wants some speed without "carbon". Yes, it's not the lightest, but it's well balanced. The handle is made from Douglas Fir too, but it's a much higher density than the one used on the outer layers. Vis shaped handle, but larger overall. The butt of the handle looks so good, I didn't have the courage to cover it 😅.

Available FS.

- D. Fir / D. Fir / Glass-fiber / Spruce core
- 93.5g
- 5.9mm
- 157x150mm
- FL (100x25.1-23.0mm)
- Balance: 2.9cm (Low/Med)

 

[Tyce]

@Matteones it's still in the shop

 

[golden_son]

#1420 - Inner GF - OFF-/OFF

Douglas Fir, often confused with Spruce, is one of the alternatives to Hinoki. The problem is usually the weight, the average density is higher than Hinoki's, but the particular layers that I've used here are actually quite light. It doesn't have the same springiness as Kiso Hinoki (nothing has...), but it feels very close to other kinds of Hinoki, for example from the Kumamoto region that I also work with. The main advantage is that it's much easier to source, since it's much more available, the problem is finding the correct density. It's been a while since I used a Spruce core, and I thought it would pair well with the light outer layers. There's a very thin glass-fiber layer between them, just to dampen some vibrations. It feels like a very solid blade, and reasonably fast on the higher gears, perfect for someone who wants some speed without "carbon". Yes, it's not the lightest, but it's well balanced. The handle is made from Douglas Fir too, but it's a much higher density than the one used on the outer layers. Vis shaped handle, but larger overall. The butt of the handle looks so good, I didn't have the courage to cover it 😅.

Available FS.

- D. Fir / D. Fir / Glass-fiber / Spruce core
- 93.5g
- 5.9mm
- 157x150mm
- FL (100x25.1-23.0mm)
- Balance: 2.9cm (Low/Med)

Ohhh that is beautiful.

 

[SDC]

@Matteones it's still in the shop

No it isn't 😅

 

[Matteones]

@Matteones it's still in the shop

No it isn't 😅

Indeed it isn't, but I believe you @Tyce , just have to see it with my own eyes sooner or later .
If that W968 - Viscaria hybrid ever came to life again @SDC I hope I'll be fast enough

 

[SDC]

#1419 - Inner 5+2 - OFF-

I always say that wood density dictates more of the feeling than wood species, and that is still true. However, some woods have certain characteristics that stand out, even if the density varies. In this case I'm using Burma Teak for the top ply, which is denser than the average Koto. Koto is usually regarded as crisp, and Limba as mushy, but Burma Teak, despite being denser than Koto, doesn't feel exactly crisp, it feels more like a harder Limba, less mushy. The medial is a soft Douglas Fir and then we have unidirectional carbon positioned vertically, which gives a smidge more stiffness, but does not impact the feeling, that is all coming from the wood. Feels like a old school blade, solid, robust, not amazing at anything in particular but very versatile. To match this old school feeling I made an old school handle shape, very chunky like the old Stiga Master.

Available FS.

- Burma Teak / Douglas Fir / UD-C / Ayous core
- 90.1g
- 5.75mm
- 157x149mm
- FL (100x25.3-23.4mm)
- Balance: 3.1cm (Med)