Let’s Dive into United Cutlery Night Watchman Escrima
The United Cutlery Night Watchman Escrima offers an affordable entry point into the world of stick fighting and martial arts training. Crafted from durable polypropylene, this 28-inch black stick is designed to withstand rigorous practice sessions without the risk of splintering or breaking like traditional rattan escrima sticks. I was intrigued by its simple, no-frills design and promise of durability, hoping it would provide a reliable training tool for practicing Kali techniques.
I’ve been interested in Filipino Martial Arts for years, but always shied away from live stick sparring due to the potential for injury with traditional rattan. The United Cutlery Night Watchman Escrima seemed like a safe, cost-effective way to finally delve into stick-based training. This was a perfect solution for solo drills and paired practice, without the constant worry of splintered wood or a trip to the emergency room.
Upon unboxing, the Night Watchman Escrima felt surprisingly solid. Its weight felt evenly distributed and the polypropylene construction gave it a substantial feel. Compared to the lighter, more flexible feel of rattan, this was a different experience, but I was initially impressed with the build quality for the price point.
I considered other training sticks, including foam padded versions and higher-end polymer sticks from different brands. I opted for the United Cutlery Night Watchman Escrima due to its affordability and the United Cutlery name, hoping for a decent level of quality for the price. Some foam versions seemed too soft for realistic training, while the premium polymer options were simply too expensive for my initial foray into stick fighting.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. It wasn’t flashy, but the Night Watchman Escrima felt like a tool ready for serious practice. While the smooth surface lacked the natural grip of rattan, I was eager to see how it would perform in various drills and sparring scenarios.
Real-World Testing: Putting United Cutlery Night Watchman Escrima to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the United Cutlery Night Watchman Escrima in my backyard, focusing on basic strikes, blocks, and twirling techniques. The initial sessions involved simple sinawali drills and practicing disarms against a training dummy. The stick felt comfortable enough in hand for short periods.
Performance in dry conditions was adequate, though the smooth polypropylene became slippery with even a slight amount of sweat. I also tested it briefly after a light rain, finding the grip significantly compromised when wet. Using gloves dramatically improved the grip in both dry and wet conditions.
The Night Watchman Escrima was easy to use from the start; its simplicity is a strength. No assembly or special knowledge was required. The weight distribution allowed for relatively fluid movements, though it lacked the responsiveness and subtle flex of a traditional rattan stick.
The initial issue was the grip. It was slick, leading to some unintentional slippage during faster drills. The lack of texture was immediately apparent. I quickly realized that grip tape or training gloves would be essential for prolonged use.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the United Cutlery Night Watchman Escrima has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of cracking or deformation, despite repeated impacts against various training surfaces. The polypropylene material is proving to be quite resilient.
Durability is definitely a strong point. The stick shows no significant wear and tear beyond some minor scuff marks. It seems built to last through countless practice sessions.
Maintenance is incredibly simple; a quick wipe down with a damp cloth is all that’s needed. The polypropylene doesn’t absorb moisture or require any special cleaning agents. It outperforms rattan in this regard, as rattan requires oiling and careful storage to prevent cracking.
Compared to using wooden dowels for practice in the past, the Night Watchman Escrima is a clear upgrade. It’s far more durable and resistant to damage. While it doesn’t quite replicate the feel of rattan, it’s a significant improvement over improvised training tools.
Breaking Down the Features of United Cutlery Night Watchman Escrima
Specifications
The United Cutlery Night Watchman Escrima measures 28 inches in overall length. This is a standard and versatile length for escrima training.
It’s constructed from durable polypropylene material. This ensures longevity and resistance to cracking or splintering.
The color is black. This provides a tactical and low-profile appearance.
The weight is not specified by United Cutlery, but it feels substantial, likely around 10-12 ounces. The weight is evenly distributed for balanced handling.
It is a single, solid piece with no moving parts. Its simple design enhances durability.
These specifications are important because they directly influence the stick’s usability, durability, and overall effectiveness as a training tool. The polypropylene construction means it can withstand heavy use. The 28-inch length makes it suitable for a variety of techniques.
Performance & Functionality
The United Cutlery Night Watchman Escrima performs its basic function admirably: it provides a durable and consistent striking implement for martial arts training. It’s suitable for practicing strikes, blocks, and twirling techniques.
Its strength lies in its durability and simplicity. The smooth grip and lack of responsiveness are weaknesses. It lacks the nuanced feel of rattan, which is important for developing sensitivity and control.
It mostly meets expectations for a budget-friendly training tool, but doesn’t exceed them. It’s a good starting point. However, serious practitioners will likely want to upgrade to a more responsive stick later on.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is decent for the price point. The polypropylene material feels solid, but lacks any texture or contouring for enhanced grip. The even weight distribution provides a comfortable feel in hand.
It is very user-friendly. There’s virtually no learning curve. It is simple and straightforward. Anyone can pick it up and start practicing basic techniques immediately.
Durability & Maintenance
The United Cutlery Night Watchman Escrima is built to last. The polypropylene material is highly resistant to cracking, splintering, and deformation.
Maintenance is incredibly easy. Simply wipe it down with a damp cloth after use to remove sweat and dirt. No special cleaning agents or oiling are required.
Accessories and Customization Options
The United Cutlery Night Watchman Escrima comes with no accessories. It’s a bare-bones training tool.
There are limited customization options. Grip tape is the most common and recommended modification. Adding a lanyard for retention is also a possibility, requiring drilling a small hole in the handle. It is not compatible with accessories beyond grip enhancements.
Pros and Cons of United Cutlery Night Watchman Escrima
Pros
- Exceptional Durability: The polypropylene construction withstands heavy use without cracking or splintering.
- Affordable Price: It provides an accessible entry point for those new to stick fighting.
- Minimal Maintenance: A quick wipe down is all that’s needed to keep it in good condition.
- Safe Training Alternative: It eliminates the risk of splinters associated with traditional rattan.
- Simple and User-Friendly: No assembly or special knowledge is required.
Cons
- Slippery Grip: The smooth polypropylene surface becomes slick, especially when wet or sweaty.
- Lacks Responsiveness: It doesn’t offer the same feedback or nuanced feel as rattan.
Who Should Buy United Cutlery Night Watchman Escrima?
This United Cutlery Night Watchman Escrima is perfect for beginners interested in learning Filipino Martial Arts (FMA), Kali, or escrima. It’s also suitable for martial arts practitioners looking for a durable and inexpensive training tool for practicing strikes and blocks. Those needing a reliable tool for self-defense training will also benefit.
This product is not ideal for serious practitioners who require the responsiveness and feedback of traditional rattan sticks. It’s also not recommended for those who prioritize a natural grip over durability. Anyone seeking a high-end training tool with advanced features should also skip this product.
Must-have accessories include grip tape or training gloves to improve handling and prevent slippage. A padded training bag for safe storage and transport is also recommended.
Conclusion on United Cutlery Night Watchman Escrima
The United Cutlery Night Watchman Escrima is a solid, budget-friendly option for those starting their journey in stick fighting. While it lacks the nuanced feel of traditional rattan and suffers from a slippery grip, its durability and affordability make it a worthwhile training tool.
The price is definitely justified for what you get: a nearly indestructible practice stick. It’s significantly cheaper than most alternatives.
I would recommend it to beginners or anyone needing a durable, low-maintenance training tool. Just be sure to invest in some grip tape or training gloves! If you are serious about stick fighting, then purchase the United Cutlery Night Watchman Escrima and start practicing!