Martin,
I'm actually doing what you allude to: I've got a set of blades that I've matched as closely as possible to my gamer
irons. (Maltby M03's and Wishon 560's respectively, for those who are interested).
I use the M03's to practice with - for the instant feedback. But to play golf with, I use the 560s. I completely agree that blades are great for getting immediate feedback on what you've done. I disagree that cavity backs don't provide feedback, but I'll agree that they're not nearly as 'telltale' as blades.
The point I'm trying to make is that unless you are a very consistent ball striker, I don't think it's possible (save an amazing short game) to score better with blades than you can with the forgiveness offered in cavity back
irons.
If you're a consistent ball striker, I can see how blades could very well be your club of choice - especially if it's minute things that you're fixing in your swing.
But I would absolutely hands-down tell every beginner to golf to play with cavity back
irons when they're trying to score. If you don't care what you score, then you don't need to care what you hit.
FWIW, I finished out this year playing Wishon 550C muscle cav
irons. Plenty of feedback (and I got plenty of it), and decent forgiveness. However, I went to a tournament, and left the 550's behind. I wanted all the forgiveness I could muster, and went back to my SnakeEyes 600XCs. Certainly less feedback than the 550C's, but still enough to play a round of golf.
Now, all this said, my first response should have been: If it works for you, don't change it. Blades work for you and your game - play them. In fact, I think everyone should try playing with blades. I knew a guy who, when he switched over to blades, immediately started playing better. He had more confidence in hitting a 'real golf club', and it filtered down through his swing.
I guess the next step now is to debate square driver heads vs classic shape?
