Reviews and Endorsements

Maestros de Armas Ramón & Jeannette Martinéz, Martinez Academy of Arms, New York, NY:

  "Benjamin Bowles, owner and proprietor of Benjamin Arms, is truly an American success story. His love and interest in Classical Fencing directed him to study the criteria and proper construction of an authentic classical fencing weapon. When he approached us to learn about the construction of classical fencing weapons, we never dreamed that he would establish his own business.

Benjamin received his initial training on how to make grips and assemble classical fencing weapons from us as part of his education as a classical fencer.  He also carefully studied a large selection of 19th century antique foils from our personal collection, as well as others.  His enthusiasm and drive lead him to seek out the knowledge and advice of other experts and learn various aspects of manufacturing. 

He has attained a first class knowledge of handcrafting a fine fencing weapon. This ensures that any fencer purchasing any of his classical fencing weapons receives a product that is suited to their needs and level of expertise.  The parts that are manufactured for his weapons are made to the specs of the original antiques. 

We can say with total confidence that Benjamin Arms offers some of the best fencing weapons specifically manufactured for classical fencing. We have purchased and used his weapons as well as recommended them to our students. They are truly fine products."

Mr. Scott Lucchese, Fencer, Columbia Classical Fencing, Columbia, Missouri:

  "I am a student of Classical Fencing in Columbia, Missouri, Studying with Patrick Morgan at Columbia Classical Fencing. I enjoy metal working and all manner of fabrication. It has been my pleasure to use Benjamin Arms products many times over the last couple of years. I have built several foils using grips, guards, metal martingales, and pommels purchased from Benjamin, and have been very happy with all of these.

I have bought ambidextrous grips, both strait & flared, cord wrapped, decorative wood, and ray skin wrapped. The woodworking and shaping is well suited to the hand, particularly if you wish to fence ambidextrously. The fit & finish of the decorative wood grips is beyond reproach. I have been very happy with each one I have purchased. Overall, I cannot recommend Benjamin Arms highly enough. I have had no problems with quality or fit and finish with any of the products I have purchased. Benjamin is a true craftsman of the type only rarely found in the modern world."

Anonymous, Fencer, Sydney, Australia:

"The balance and the craftsmanship of the Epee are fantastic, and I was impressed with the apparent authenticity of the design ˆ even knowing as little as I do about classical fencing. I spent all Saturday practicing with it. Such quality!

[Other modern manufacturer's] stuff is great ˆ long lasting and purpose designed; but it has that modern, space-age flavour to it ˆ plastic, aluminium and even titanium! I always feel like I'm holding a toy.

With your Benjamin Arms Epee though, I felt as though I was holding something REAL, straight from a bygone age. Something that actually mattered - built tough and solid, a proper tool for a purpose, like an object I'd find in my grandfather's cabinet. The kind of tools they just don't make anymore."

Have you bought from Benjamin Arms before and would like to write a review? Send it to us through our contact page and we'll send you a $5 coupon!