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Post by Unit731 on Sept 15, 2014 23:37:17 GMT
I am looking to buy a rapier this christmas. Looking for something long and durable. Having a weildly weight would be nice, but I am expecting it to be difficult to use at first. I would choose a stiff blade over a light weight though. Also, something with a good hand guard.
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Post by SeanXD on Sept 16, 2014 1:08:11 GMT
There is a Hanwei 43 inch practical rapier on Kult of Athena for $160 now. It is a trainer, however, and has a button tip. From what I understand it is probably not as stiff as you want it, but for the price they have it at it is something to consider.
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Post by TheNewDavout on Sept 16, 2014 1:28:55 GMT
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Post by Unit731 on Sept 16, 2014 4:02:27 GMT
I should point out, I mean a sharp. But it wouldn't be a terrible idea to get a trainer...
Can you sharpen trainers? Assuming you even get the desire for a sharp sword.
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Post by Vincent Dolan on Sept 16, 2014 4:59:26 GMT
You can, in the sense that is is physically possible, but it's really not a good idea; training blades generally have a significantly different cross-section than a live blade and, if I'm remembering correctly, sharpening them can weaken their structural integrity. I could be wrong on that last bit, though. Either way, most places that offer blunt trainers will strongly discourage people from sharpening them and will refuse to do so if asked (Albion, for one).
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Post by TheNewDavout on Sept 16, 2014 5:54:15 GMT
Seconding this, sharpening trainers isn't a good plan, often, but not always, it can end up weakening them. If you're looking for sharp rapiers under 300, windlass is probably your best bet, might be able to snag something on deal of the day if you're lucky. I think Dave Kelly has a few Windlass rapiers.
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Post by Arwyn on Sept 16, 2014 21:54:13 GMT
I have some of the windlass rapiers as well. If your looking for something properly stiff, the Brandenburg and Musketeer rapiers are good. The Descheaux is most definitely not, way too whippy.
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Post by SeanXD on Sept 18, 2014 23:59:47 GMT
Check KOA. On their blowout sale, they just posted a Del Tin rapier for $350. It has quite a few issues with the blade, but I think most could be worked out with some elbow grease and you could save yourself some money in the long run.
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Post by Dave Kelly on Sept 19, 2014 0:49:51 GMT
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Post by TheNewDavout on Sept 19, 2014 5:10:33 GMT
Seconding the Munich. It's a more cut focused blade, but a very nice windlass, especially considering the price.
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Post by LemuelTheLemur on Sept 19, 2014 7:13:14 GMT
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Post by Unit731 on Sept 19, 2014 16:38:32 GMT
Thanks for the suggestions guys Dave: How is the flexibility on the Musketeer Rapier? I love the look of it. Lamuel: How long is the sale gonna last?
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Post by SeanXD on Sept 19, 2014 16:52:40 GMT
Thats the one I was talking about =P. Until it's sold most likely.
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Post by LemuelTheLemur on Sept 19, 2014 16:57:23 GMT
It's a one-off due to a defect. "This Blow Out Del Tin 17th Century Rapier has a misshapen blade - it bends laterally to a side due to not being a straight blade. Its taper in the tip area is not even and is wider in the very end of the tip than the inches of blade beneath the tip. The blade has been sharpened."
The bend is actually a bit more noticable than I first thought. It might be fixable, I'll let someone more informed comment on that.
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Post by Dave Kelly on Sept 19, 2014 23:10:30 GMT
That's a bit hard to answer. Live rapiers do not have a great deal of flexibility. They are tempered and will give some under a load, but they are fairly stiff blades intended to drive home. The heavily ornamented rapiers tend to be less capable of complex movements due to weight.
I point this out because it is a complete set for 300.00 and shipping from KoA. You'll be lucky in most cases getting a sword for that kind of money. Hanwei sets used to be in this class, but since their fire they have moved their priceline on rapiers up to the 500.00 plateau.
Rapiers are not small swords. They are the heirs of 16th century cut and thrust swords. Most movies do not reflect the style correctly. ( The old 1970's version with Michael York, Richard Chamberlin and Charlton Heston was the best.)
You'll eventually need a training blade to do any fencing or SCA organized competition. Hard to choose. It's an expensive hobby to commit to.
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