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Post by jarmory19 on Mar 23, 2014 2:45:02 GMT
I'm wanting to add a rapier to my collection and am looking for a helpful point in the right direction. I don't want a whippy thin-bladed rapier and I have a side sword already.. so maybe something inbetween. I like both swept and cup. I really like that 3 ring that Darkwood makes and I see they don't offer the cup anymore (wish it had a sharp blade though). I also like the 17th century Italian swept-hilt by Windlass... Any thoughts or recommendations would be appreciated, thanks..... Also if it isn't too picky something with the option of a matching gauche would be preferable
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Post by Dave Kelly on Mar 23, 2014 4:08:42 GMT
I need to post a bulletin board guide to live rapiers for this question; it sure seems to come up a lot. This probably isn't all inclusive, but is my best of the litter experience. 1. Windlass. Least expensive live weapons. VG hilts. Blades are a bit light, but good temper and size. The only matched set is the so called Musketeer Rapier ( actually an ealier German cup hilt ). WIndlass has released 3 Main Gauche in the last 5 months that match up nicely with a varity of rapiers. Have the Medici and its outstanding piece for unbelievable price from KoA. 2. Armouronline (Czecheslovakia) Variety and accesories. Very reasonable prices. Blades like Windlass are a bit light but fair variety. ( I've bought some armour items here, but no personal experience with their swords.) 3. Armorclass (Scotland) longish wait unless in stock at KOA. Only have a Pappenheim. 4. Del Tin (Italy) KoA keeps a lot of their inventory in stock. mid level prices 650-800. I'm sorely tempted by what I see in inventory, but some members here have complained of thin stocked blades. 5. Arms&Armour Rapier Heaven. 4 matched sets. Others. Custom builds. Don't buy their leathers though. 6. Lutel (Czech) Another rapier heaven. Like A&A expensive. 7. Vladimir Cervenka Independent smith Czech. Nice selection. Match sets. Some folks don't like the lack of finish on his hilts. Very punctual in his work. Priced about the same as Lutel. 8. There are a couple of other eastern smithies I have no personal experience with and have forgot their names. Luka or some other may wish to add some addresses. If you want to know why I didn't include Hanwei it's because their live weapons have smallsword like blades. Hanwei has protested that these svelt semi rapiers meet customer demands and preferences. They are ahistorical. Hanwei's rapier fencing systems for SCA andd HEMA applications are right up their with the best. I own the VASA rapier. It stays on my display model young buck gentleman. :mrgreen: Hope that helps.
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Post by jarmory19 on Mar 23, 2014 15:04:43 GMT
Thanks Dave, as in all my posts you continue to be an outstanding and tremendous amount of help.. Cheers
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Luka
Senior Forumite
Posts: 2,848
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Post by Luka on Apr 23, 2014 22:18:41 GMT
There are many custom or semi-custom smiths in Europe, but I would like to add Arma Bohemia to this list, right now they have some very nice rapiers and many other items in stock. Very fair prices...
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Post by Grubnessul on Apr 24, 2014 8:42:13 GMT
I can second Arma Bohemia. Got my rapier there and it's pretty detailed and holds up very well in sparring. The blade is slightly shorter than standard (in my club the standard was Darkwood, which also deserves to be on the list!) but pretty and it feels more finished than a Darkwood rapier. Just to show off : and the hilt:
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Post by Dave Kelly on Apr 24, 2014 12:47:19 GMT
Think the original question was reserved to "live" weapons grade blades. Wasn't slighting those who make sporting equipment; that's quite a different list for which Darkwood is my personal favorite ( owning two ).
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Post by Arwyn on Apr 24, 2014 19:36:37 GMT
Just for my own curiosity, on the Windlass blades, which of them is properly stiff Dave? I have the Descheaux, but as wonderfully done as the guards is, the blade is far too whippy. Are the Musketeer or the Brandenburg any better?
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Post by Dave Kelly on Apr 24, 2014 19:45:55 GMT
Surprised to hear that about the Deschuax. Onlt three WIndlass I've handled are the Musketeer, which is perhaps too stiff, the out of production Pappenheim which was at least as stiff as my Darkwood bated blades, and the pilsen which was very springy. Runs the gamut.
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Post by Arwyn on Apr 24, 2014 20:29:51 GMT
Good to hear that about the Musketeer, thats the one I have been eyeing. And once again Dave, you have spent my money for me!
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Post by Dave Kelly on Apr 24, 2014 22:42:47 GMT
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Post by Arwyn on Apr 25, 2014 19:19:54 GMT
You are killing me Dave...
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