Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 11, 2012 8:18:12 GMT
Hello all, I am thinking about buying a rapier for a long time, and am now ready to hand over some of my money. I dont know much about swords, but I think a rapier and gauche is what I am after (a sword I can train with, not just destroy things in my backyard (though I do like to dabble in a bit of destruction)). I am looking at getting the hanwei bone hilt rapier and matching gauche. The only research I have done is on here really, and it sounds like a pretty good choice, just hoping to get some feedback and suggestions on any other swords I should consider. Rapier: www.kultofathena.com/product.asp ... ilt+Rapier Gauche: www.kultofathena.com/product.asp?item=SH2197Is this a good rapier to purchase or should I be looking at others? |
|
Sean (Shadowhowler)
VIP Reviewer
Retired Moderator
No matter where you go, there you are.
Posts: 8,828
|
Post by Sean (Shadowhowler) on Jan 11, 2012 8:44:31 GMT
If you want to stick to that pricerange... that one and the wood gripped hanwei rapier are decent choices. Stay away from the other Hanwei ones as they have hollow plastic grips... a major no no in my book.
If you are willing to spend a bit more, I can't say enough goof things about the Arms and Armor rapiers.
|
|
|
|
Post by Elheru Aran on Jan 11, 2012 13:43:49 GMT
On the subject, what do y'all think of the Hanwei Cup Hilt/Taza rapier? Plastic grip, I know, but I'm mainly interested in it for a gift for my brother when he gets back from Afghanistan (there right now with the Corps). He's got a small kid and isn't all that interested in swords per se so would probably just hang it on the wall, I'm planning to make a kid-safe display for him as well. The Bone Handle is also one I'm looking at...
|
|
|
|
Post by the_antposse on Jan 11, 2012 14:12:56 GMT
Hi Dennoire! I own the wood handle version but either of them is a good choice. It feels good in the hand and is a swift, combat ready blade. It is an impressive piece of artistry for a functional sword, a choice you will not regret. I think Sean is right about the other handles, I have two Hanwei Solingen rapiers and the handles do appear to be hard plastic, though I've handled them a lot and they haven't collapsed yet(knock on wood). Good luck in the bottle wars and enjoy! CW.  |
|
|
|
Post by Dave Kelly on Jan 11, 2012 22:26:07 GMT
Hey Dennoire! Welcome to SBG. Whew. When someone says, "Hi, I DON"T really know anything about swords, but I think I want a rapier...." I really hesitate in telling you anything for fear it will end in buyer remorse. :oops: Have you spent some time on You Tube looking into the many SCA and training tapes regards rapier? It is a fairly unique weapon system, and one primarily related to the thrust, not cutting. Hanweis are good entry level practical weapons, but they are short bladed and on the light side for historic rapiers. For training and fencing most Hanwei will allow you to buy training blades up to 37". Rapiers aren't cheap. Costs escalate quickly in this area. the baseline hovers over 350 for most basics, and goes up rapidly for the top class stuff. Maybe you've already done so, but I'd suggest doing some more research on what you want before you buy as you will never recover your initial laydown unless you go second hand market in the classifieds. fwiw Cheers, Dave Kelly |
|
|
|
Post by LittleJP on Jan 11, 2012 22:50:38 GMT
For a readily available system to us, Foil and Epee is a way to get into smallswords, though some mechanics are different (You can't "score" by flicking your blade with a smallsword  ) |
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 11, 2012 23:45:57 GMT
Hi Dave,
Yep I have watched some of the AHF sparring video's, and rapier + main gauche is the weapon style I want to practice.
Will the hanwei hold up against frequent use? Is it worth spending the money on a more expensive one?
Thanks everyone for the feedback so far.
|
|
|
|
Post by LittleJP on Jan 11, 2012 23:47:51 GMT
I'm not an expert on the subject, but I'd also recommend looking at some of Darkwood Armoury's selections, as they to create several rapiers specifically for practical use.
|
|
|
|
Post by Dave Kelly on Jan 12, 2012 0:04:36 GMT
Razor mentioned an SCA all goods provider for the swordsmen community. I thought I put it in my favorite places, but can only find Alchem.
Hanwei will get you started. There are other options on the SCA side that are practical and cheaper than Darkwood, whose stuff is outstanding and premium priced.
Best bet is to find a training venue and find out what they have to offer for weapons options before you spend a lot of money. A hanwei set and a pair of medium weight gloves will get you started.
Have fun
|
|
Razor
Senior Forumite
Posts: 1,883 
|
Post by Razor on Jan 12, 2012 5:55:09 GMT
If you want to train with a rapier? You should get a training one and not a battle ready(sharps) rapier. Here you go Dave. zenwarriorarmory.com/ This is Zenwarrior armory. They a good trainers and they also sales gear too. If you get a rapier from them, make sure you get the schlarger blade. I have the double clamshell rapier with the rapier blade and the schlarger. When I first got the sword, I got it with the rapier blade, it is stiffer and doesn't flex as good as the schlarger blade. That means it hits harder when you thrust into someone. The rapier blade can leave a bruises the size of cantaloupes. We switched to the schlarger blades after our first tournament, it is easier for the judges to see a hit when the blade flexes a lot. Hanwei's rapiers are the most common trainers that I see around here, with of course Darkwood, Zen, and Alchme. |
|
|
|
Post by kurokaze on Jan 12, 2012 7:29:31 GMT
Actually, I have the taza set, and both the rapier and the main gauche have wood grips. It's not immediately obvious, though, because they've been painted silver. I can only presume this is to hide any gaps in the wire. I'd offer pictures as evidence, but only recently got a decent camera and haven't tried to take any yet.yet. And with school starting soon, it's unlikely I will just yet. |
|
Razor
Senior Forumite
Posts: 1,883
|
Post by Razor on Jan 13, 2012 5:59:38 GMT
Here is the different in flexes from Zenwarrior's schlager blade and rapier blade. The bare blade is the rapier(red tape at the end) and the rapier sword has the schlager blade(white tape at the end)  |
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 14, 2012 8:10:14 GMT
I live in Australia, and unfortunately there are not that many sword brands available to me right now. Im having a hard time finding anything else thats not a hanwei, or a cheap fantasy sword...
|
|
)
