Review: Gorg-Tech :: Min-Red and Blue Swords

         I've handled many weapons over the years and broken many of them on the bodies of my foes, but I recently decided to make the switch to the weapons crafted by Gorg the Blacksmith, a full-time weapons crafter based near Jacksonville, Florida.  Gorg takes a new approach to foamsmithing, approaching it much like the famous gun manufacturer Glock, whom are well recognized for perpetually redesigning and improving even the smallest parts.   He’s constantly improving his techniques, and testing new materials and designs.  He’s a consistent, timely and honest business man who’s committed to providing consistent quality and amazing value.  If you can’t tell, I’m a bit of a fan of Gorg, and not just his amazing beard.  I think he’s on the fore-front of mass-market weapons technology, and it doesn't hurt that he’s an awesome person to fight and work with.  

        Here are my reviews for the weapons that I've gotten from him recently, and I’ll put out new reviews as I get swings in with other pieces of his arsenal.  I’d like to note that in the last 6 years of red-fighting, I’ve had to replace the blades on my swords approximately every 3 weeks during peak fighting season.  These weapons have already lasted me long past my normal re-blade time and are as almost as perfect as the day I got them.  For most fighters a sword's lifetime could be upwards of a year with heavy use.

Minimum Dimension Red Sword:  (49” Long)  ::  The min-red is my signature weapon, and by far the weapon that I've handled in my hands the more often than any other.  It’s a dueling weapon, and the perfect weapon for training to use longer red weapons.  As someone who’s extremely particular about his weapons, I was a bit hesitant switching to Gorg's min-reds.  But after receiving mine at Winter War and putting my customary tennis grip on it, I absolutely fell in love.  Everything about Gorg-Tech screams quality.  The foam is cut evenly and consistently, the tape is exactingly applied, and when he needs to, he applies multiple layers of Dap.  It’s low-profile allows for exacting slots chops and pocket stabs, and it comes alive and responsive in my hands.  The bottom of his handles is thick, made to allow for easier one-handed sniping, but also providing a nice solid grip for one-handed blocking.  A very complete weapon.

Matching 32” Blue Swords ::  While I may not be known for my Sword and Board or Flo fighting, I spent my early formative years as a boarder and I've also spent considerable time practicing my dual-wield in the past few months.  To improve, I decided that I needed a good pair of sticks, so I immediately went back to Gorg.  The swords I received from him are absolutely fantastic, and I've only handled a few weapons that match the way they fit into my hand.  They feel like Amtgard sticks, but deliver solid chops, snaps and flat wraps.  The way they’re balanced they can either be wielded further down near the pommel giving maximum range or even choked up near the blade, where the striking-surface become an extension of your hands.

Gorg-Tech Hammers ::  I spent a few hours playing with one of these at Winter War, and for those of you that have been looking for a hammer to complete your kit….. Man these things are an extreme amount of fun.  It handles like a mass weapon, complete with satisfying thuds when you make good contact.  They are balanced well considering that they’re hammers, but require some skill to range properly as your striking surface is a mere 6.5”long.  Acquiring one of these hammers is super high on my wish-list.

         As someone who’s been fighting for many years competitively, the introduction of functional, durable stabbing tips has given my game so many new dimensions.  That’s one of the big things that attracted me to Gorg’s gear.  He does stabbing tips better than any other weapon manufacturer in the game.  It also doesn’t hurt that his amazing wife Lady G makes some fine weapon covers (including custom ones!)  I’m happy to support Gorg, and I’ll definitely be giving Gorg my business from now on.

-Exo, the Golden Lion