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Post by Deleted on Apr 24, 2012 17:38:50 GMT
Hey guys, newbie here. I’ve always wanted a rapier ever since I took a semester of fencing in college. This won’t be for fencing though; I just want a functional sword for “play” and show. I want to make the right decision and not end up with buyer’s remorse (as I’ve done with things before). I’ve been scouring the internet and I’ve narrowed it down to these two: The Hanwei Bone Handled Swept Hilt Rapier: www.kultofathena.com/product.asp ... ilt+Rapier or the Windlass Musketeer Rapier: www.kultofathena.com/product.asp ... eer+Rapier Can you guys lean me in any particular direction? Give me ANY reason to buy one over the other. Or perhaps you can direct me to a review . . . it may be one I haven’t read yet. Thanks! ---j
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Post by Warlokk on Apr 24, 2012 17:59:49 GMT
Well, I'd assume you read the Bone-Handled review here at the main site: www.sword-buyers-guide.com/swept ... apier.html The Windlass seems kinda heavy for a rapier, at almost 3lbs... I have their Munich Cut&Thrust and it's excellent, but it is really quite heavy at about 3 1/2 lbs. The Hanwei by comparison is only 2lbs 4 oz, but it has an open hilt as opposed to the closed basket, so there's less metal in the handle. Considering the next level up in rapiers takes you right to the A&A and Del Tins at $600-700+, these are good options for getting started. Oh, I also found a review of the Musketeer over at the old forums: sbgswordforum.proboards.com/inde ... e=1#222706
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Post by Deleted on Apr 24, 2012 20:29:50 GMT
Thanks Warlokk. Indeed, I have read those reviews. They were part of the reason I've narrowed it down to those two in particular. I was just trying to come up with a deciding factor.
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Post by Dave Kelly on Apr 24, 2012 21:18:30 GMT
Hi: Rapiers came in many forms. Charateristically they were almost all in the 2.5 to 3.25 lb range. Balance and taper compensated somewhat for their great size but it is the nature of the rapier. Weight will slow you down. The Windlass Musketer has a lot of boiler plate. That is a curse. On the other hand this is a well made sword. It has tremendous eye appeal. For $300.00 you can pic up the appropriate "set" with the spectacular Main Gauche. Some gauntlets and a Hanwei rapier belt and you're ready to go to town. The Hanwei system is versatile with multiple blade options interchangable for their weapons. Price is good. Theier relative light weight is ahistorical but for those into WMA sparring your body will appreciate that. www.kultofathena.com/product.asp ... ian+Rapier I like this one. Understand that we are baselining here with 3d tier rapiers. Compare with the weapons of Arms and Armor for difference in 1st Tier stuff. Happy Shopping.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 25, 2012 2:17:52 GMT
Hi Dave. Yes, I was eyeing that one too. Just curious, is there something that draws your attention to that one as opposed to the others? ---j
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Post by Dave Kelly on Apr 25, 2012 2:39:49 GMT
Assuming that you are looking for a live weapon in this range. I said I find most of what Hanwei offers up as 'rapiers" are too light for the breed. (Exceptions. The Spanish Taza set, which I owned, is very nice, but now a little more expensive.)
The Musketeer is a really great bargain in a set ( from KoA). Reason I like the other Windlass is primarily that it's 2lb 10ozs is livelier than the Musketeer but of historical heft.
Both of these rapiers can be sharpened, and a 1.12 inch rapier blade will cut.
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Post by Deleted on May 9, 2012 20:33:22 GMT
So I went with the Windless Musketeer! THAT was a tough decision. Tougher will be waiting for it to arrive In the interim, Dave, can you tell me where you got that sweet doublet and baldric featured in your review of this sword? I was looking at the Three Forked Rapier Belt on KA. kultofathena.com/product.asp?ite ... apier+Belt Your thoughts? ---j
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Post by Dave Kelly on May 9, 2012 21:23:36 GMT
Both are Ravenswood Products: www.ravenswoodleather.com/They make even nicer ones you can option color etc... The KoA items are a bit coarser and tend to be for slighter built folks, but if you fit the norm they are functional and stand up to use. (usually)
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