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Post by Itari on Oct 25, 2012 22:46:58 GMT
I was wondering if there might be some decent fencing rapiers out there. I was thinking about buying a pair for sparring. Any suggestions?
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Post by Dave Kelly on Oct 26, 2012 8:40:55 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Oct 26, 2012 9:46:21 GMT
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Post by Dave Kelly on Oct 26, 2012 10:48:04 GMT
Credit goes to Razor for introducing us to Zen. Far as I know everything they produce are fencing blunts.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 26, 2012 11:21:41 GMT
Thanks, and thanks to Razor for letting us know about Zen!
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Post by Anders on Oct 26, 2012 17:17:47 GMT
Hey, those people sell guards! Going to need to remember that.
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Post by John P on Oct 26, 2012 22:53:42 GMT
I have tries every budget rapier and the Zen rapiers are ok but the best option IMHO is the darkwood economy rapier while it is $300 it is the best as far as flexibility with out being whippy and durability.
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Razor
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Post by Razor on Oct 27, 2012 1:07:53 GMT
Darkwood Rapiers, are one of the best trianing rapiers you can get, if not the best. But if you want to buy a pair? It's going to cost you $600 for the economy ones. You can get two Zen rapiers for around $300. Zen are ok for their price but they are not in the same category has Darkwood. I have had my Zen rapier for years....I think around 2005 or 2006 and is still holding up strong. My sword has went up againts other rapiers like Hanwei, Darkwood, and others that I can't remember right now. It has even went up againts cut & thrust swords like Hanwei baskethilt backsword and broadsword and Darkwoods side swords and backswords and it is still holding up good. All their blades are for trianing but their rapier blade is stiff enough for being a sharp blade. For training Go with the schlarger blade and don't get the Musketeer blade, they are dagerously stiff for training. Here is a flex test for Zen schlarger and rapier blade. the bare blade is the rapier blade.  |
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Post by TheNewDavout on Oct 27, 2012 2:16:22 GMT
I have a darkwood economy hilt. It is well worth the added money.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 25, 2012 7:10:36 GMT
My first sword was a Zen; I don't dislike them. Yes, they are very economical, but affordable is a relative term. If you are serious about pursuing fencing as a hobby, Darkwood's economy line is the way to go, and I'll tell you why.
The only sword Zen carries that is remotely accurate as a representation of a rapier is the R13 (swept hilt) .Any other design they produce either is not historical (ie the R4 "Zorro style" -gimme a break that is a modern saber guard!) or employs a false ricasso which is not conducive to a proper rapier. The R9, R6, and R13 have the right look, but for some godawful reason, their weapons come standard with epee blades.
This brings me to my next point: to upgrade to a rapier or schlager (there is a difference!), you go from $142 to 170 - 190 depending on blade length. The double-wide "musketeer" epees are best suited for transitional rapier/smallsword fencing. Schlager blades are suitable for mensur fencing as they have no distal taper. They were, for a time, the only blade widely available, but that was over 10 years ago. We have the technology.
Now, the 40" rapier by itself is only $88, so if you were on a strict budget but had some metal working skills or were lucky enough to have a wall-hanger that fit the blade, one could take that route. However, a tab for two swords comes close to $400 +/- after shipping; if you are going invest that much, what's another $200 for a the sake of quality?
I talked to Scott and Leslie Wilson of Darkwood Armory when I was considering getting a sword from them. (I had experiences with Zen's blades. After heavy use for about a year and some months, I had to retire a blade.) I asked, "how long do your blades last?" to which Leslie replied, "yes." They truly stand by their work. The only other manufacturer in their league in the US is Arms and Armor. (Which will likely cost you and Arm and a Leg.)
So, for $300 dollars, you'll get a great sword from Darkwood that will last for as long as you take care of it.
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