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Post by Alacritas on Sept 30, 2011 4:49:33 GMT
I just recently was able to get my hands on this A&A piece when a friend on another forum needed the money. Since I've seen very few of these higher end rapiers reviewed on the site I figured I should write up a quick review. The sword is in practically new condition and beautiful as ever. Guys please try to remember this is my first review on the site so hear me out >_< The hilt, though simple, is fairly intricately decorated. It features a duel port design decorated with what I'm told is Medusa's head. The flip side offers some form of protection was well. The quillion has some very interesting decoration. the side plate decoration seems reminiscent of the earlier Nordic/West Germanic art tradition seen 300 years earlier. The quillion is then capped with sculpted lion heads. The pommel is beautifully decorated with a floral design. The blade Is slight enough to barely fall into category as a rapier, as it falls more towards side/cut and thrust sword. The sword handles like a dream, with a close point of balance that dosen"t compromise its forward cutting ability. The sword fits comfortably and tightly around the hand, unlike most replicas I've seen that have over sided hilts. All in all I love this sword, I honestly can find nothing wrong with it at all, its perfect in mostly every humanly possible way. I'll try to get some cutting video's up if possible (though the weather is starting to turn up here in Wisconsin so we'll have to see)
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Lunaman
Senior Forumite
Posts: 3,974
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Post by Lunaman on Sept 30, 2011 5:06:55 GMT
Nice review of a lovely sword! Thanks for sharing.
A&A's rapiers really are incredible. I've been aiming to pick one up ever since I first glimpsed one in-person. There's something about the proportions and craftsmanship that just makes the heart skip a beat.
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Post by Vincent Dolan on Sept 30, 2011 5:16:40 GMT
I have to agree; which is weird, because I'm not a rapier person. However, the German rapier is by far one of the most aesthetically appealing swords I've ever seen. And the understated simplicity of this Gustav Vasa, with just a hint of embellishment, is just drool worthy.
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Post by Dave Kelly on Sept 30, 2011 7:43:44 GMT
Congratulations on a very lucky acquisition.
The Vasa set is something I've had on my long list and never got back to.
Just out of curiosity, I see in your pics that you are holding the sword with two fingers over the quillons. This is considered to be in the "Spanish" style and not usual to German use. Have you tried holding it with only one finger over, or even with your hand below the cross guard? How does it feel to you, comparatively, when so held?
( And, yes, against convention I prefer the Spanish grip. It is considered dangerous to the user because so many fingers in the ricasso are vulnerable in disarm actions. On the other hand it does provide very positive blade/point control for a more foreward style of fence. )
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Post by Alacritas on Sept 30, 2011 13:56:54 GMT
Honestly the two finger grip is something I developed over the five years that I've been practicing rapier. The spanish grip just feels right to me over the single finger grip. An odd thing about this sword, its almost impossible to grip it below the cross guard and still maintian useable control of the blade.....It just feels unspeakably akward. The spanish grip also frees alot of space on the grip allowing for it to be weilded in a way similar to a very light hand and a half sword (maybe hand and a quarter?). This leaves the possibilty of hybrid styles (A mixture of german longsword, italian rapier and cut and thrust). Something that I find interesting to note is that this sword prooves a fact that has been begining to noticing lately. Swords of the period are ment to be well ballenced not just in weiding but also when being worn, this is an area where A&A blades really shine where other modern makers fail miserably (mostly hanwei and windlass rapiers, they just dont feel right).
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