Deepeeka Swept-Hilt Rapier review
Nov 18, 2016 14:21:05 GMT
Post by Veerdin on Nov 18, 2016 14:21:05 GMT
Well folks, my partner must have blackmailed Santa Clause, because Christmas came early for me today!
As for this morning, I now stand the proud and incredibly happy owner of a Deepeeka Swept-Hilt Rapier. And I have to say, with all honesty, this is my new favourite sword. It was purchased from the Esford online store, simply due to the fact that I'm in Australia and getting swords shipped internationally is a nightmare most of the time. On that site, this particular model is listed as a “Flemish” Swept-Hilt Rapier. That, and their prices are very reasonable. Especially given the quality of the product I was gifted.
Now, before I go on with this review, allow me to put in a quick disclaimer:
Obviously, I'm a bit biased for a few reasons. Number one being that this is a gift from the most important person in my life, and as such, holds a special, personal value that can't be bought with any amount of cash. Additionally, this is my first rapier (I have a sword that is visually similar to a rapier that was custom made for me, but the weight and balance of it makes it much closer to a cavalry sabre). So I don't have any other rapiers to compare this one to directly.
Additionally, I sadly do not have any formal training with rapiers. I've done plenty of research on rapier techniques, watched instructional videos and read documents on the subject, but I've never had the pleasure of sparring one-on-one with another swordsman, nor have I had a professional instructor. This is largely due to the fact that the closest HEMA school is an hour's drive from my house and I've got a lot of other stuff taking priority over that particular fancy right now.
I will say, however, that having now held and drilled with this sword, I'm definitely considering looking into professional training on the subject.
Right, disclaimer over! On with the review itself!
SPECIFICATIONS:
Sword name: Deepeeka Swept-Hilt Rapier
Model number: AH3405
Overall length: 115cm (45.2in)
Blade length: 84.5cm (33.2in)
Weight: 0.9kg (1.9lbs)
Blade material: Tempered 1045 carbon steel (probably, no direct confirmation on this.)
Hilt material: Stainless steel (again, probably. Going purely on look and feel for this one.)
Handle construction: welded swept hilt guard with wire-wrapped handle.
Pommel construction: Welded/threaded. (I think, feels too solid to safely disassemble.)
Edge: Unsharpened, as per India's export laws. Very sharp point, though.
Scabbard: Stitched, flexible black leather with plain stainless steel fittings.
VISUALS:
Rapiers, on the whole, have been a fascination of mine in the last year or so. And this is in no small part due to their design, which I generally think of as “Elegant”. There is something about the combination of a long, slender blade with a complex, sometimes extravagant hilt that gives these swords a unique kind of charm. This, and their place in pop-culture as the weapon of gentlemen, aristocrats, and dashing young men in tight-fitting black clothes.
This particular model is, in many ways, one of the more “simplistic” in terms of design. There are no engravings, no fancy twisted wires or filigree on the handle. The blade is straight with a diamond-edge grind, and the only noticeably decorated part is the pommel, with some simple art-deco-ish lines across it. The entire sword – from tip to pommel – has a lovely silvery-steel finish that catches the light in all the best ways without going so far as being a mirror-sheen.
And personally, this is all A-Okay with me. Compared to the rest of my collection, this sword stands out like a gemstone, and has the exact kind of visual elegance that I adore in rapiers. I never really went in for the gaudier swords, with all their encrusted jewels or engraved gold fittings. What I love about this sword in particular is how it can communicate its simple beauty without needing to dazzle people in the process.
But don't take my word for it, here's some pictures of my new favourite blade:
It's so pretty, even my partner's cat likes it!
It is worth noting, however, that there are some small areas of the hilt that were not properly sanded down during the manufacturer process, but these areas are superficial at worst, and took all of 15 minutes with some sandpaper to remedy. As of right now, you'd not even know they'd been there.
Overall, this sword is – visually – exactly what I had been looking for. Originally I'd had my eyes set on the Windlass Brandenburg Rapier, but honestly, I prefer the model I now own. The Brandenburg is certainly pretty, but its twisted wire hilt doesn't really meld with my personal aesthetic tastes.
Appearances are, of course, subjective. But let's just say that I'd be hard-pressed to find a production rapier I liked the look of more than this one.
HANDLING:
Weight and balance of this sword seem almost 100% perfect, to me. Now, I do say this with the caveat of never having used another rapier in any extensive manner, but according to the research I've done on the subject, the sword should be balanced towards the hilt and allow for easy point control and thrusting.
This sword delivers just that, with the point of balance being a couple of inches from the hilt (where the blade transitions from a simple flat bar to the diamond grind) I'm able to make very fast wrist cuts and very accurate thrusts, and this is all without any professional training.
The sword does feel a bit odd when making more broad, arm-based slashes, but this is only natural given the function of a rapier. Indeed, I'd be concerned if it leant itself to slashing rather than thrusting, as that's more the realm of military sabres and longswords.
There were one or two minor teething issues regarding the comfort of the sword, however. The biggest criticism I hear levelled at the Deepeeka brand is a lack of quality control. And while I feel that this seems a little more harsh than is perhaps deserved, I will say that the edges on the hilt were – upon delivery – a little rough on my hands.
This “problem”, however, was so easy to fix that I almost forgot that I'd even needed to fix it. With roughly 15 minutes of some basic sandpaper work (the same 15 minutes I spent touching up some of the weld spots) solved the issue entirely, and now the sword feels wonderful in my hand.
The only other issue I can think of is that the wire-wrapped hilt is a smidge rough on bare handed skin after extended use. But even this is a minor complaint at worst. My Agincourt also has a wire hilt and has the exact same effect. And personally, I'd still not have the wrapping replaced as I like the extra grip that the wire offers over leather or bare wood.
All-in-all, the balance and weight of the sword is spot-on, in my books. During some basic drills I was able to use it exactly as a rapier is supposed to be used. So Deepeeka certainly know their stuff when it comes to accuracy.
I'm also happy to report that the blade has just enough flex to be durable, while remaining very stiff and solid during drills and thrusts. I've heard stories about people buying rapiers that are so flexible they basically flop around like a whip when swung, and this little beauty does no such thing. It's not as flexible as my old Agincourt Sword, but can still be flexed fairly easily by hand. From what I can dig up on the item, the blade is 1045 carbon steel and has been properly heat-treated, meaning it should be plenty durable and safe for light cutting or even sparring, if I ever get around to that.
In summary? Feels great to use. I did need to sand down some of the rough edges slightly, but this was a non-issue and took less than 20 minutes.
VERDICT:
Taking my personal bias into account, I still have to conclude that this is a fantastic sword, especially given its price range compared to some competing brands. I've heard some nasty things about the Deepeeka line of swords in the past, but I can happily say that I'm yet to experience any of them. The sword is very solidly put together and absolutely beautiful.
It feels great to use as well as look at, and it meets my aesthetic standards to a tee. And if you're in the market for a rapier yourself, but are on a tight budget and unable to get one of the bigger-name brands, I highly recommend giving something like this a try. Compared to many other rapiers on the market, this is very affordable, and the quality on display is a lot better than Deepeeka's reputation might lead you to believe.
Perhaps I am simply working from a “good” example, here. But honestly, after looking at some reviews of other Deepeeka products, I've not noticed anybody having any major issues with their swords in the last few years. I can't speak for their earlier work, of course. But it seems (from my research at least) that the company has certainly picked up their game recently.
This is far and away my new favourite sword. And I say that even with my replica type-94 gunto hanging on the wall behind me (you can see my review on that sword right here if you're interested.) And make no mistake, I love that gunto, but this rapier is something else entirely, and is a sword I intend to keep by my side from here on out.
Got a video review in the works, and it should be of a better quality than my last one. So keep an eye out for that if you're interested!
Beyond that, I hope this review was informative and interesting! I'm super happy with this piece and I'd be interested to hear what everybody thinks of it!
Thanks, and take care, folks!
As for this morning, I now stand the proud and incredibly happy owner of a Deepeeka Swept-Hilt Rapier. And I have to say, with all honesty, this is my new favourite sword. It was purchased from the Esford online store, simply due to the fact that I'm in Australia and getting swords shipped internationally is a nightmare most of the time. On that site, this particular model is listed as a “Flemish” Swept-Hilt Rapier. That, and their prices are very reasonable. Especially given the quality of the product I was gifted.
Now, before I go on with this review, allow me to put in a quick disclaimer:
Obviously, I'm a bit biased for a few reasons. Number one being that this is a gift from the most important person in my life, and as such, holds a special, personal value that can't be bought with any amount of cash. Additionally, this is my first rapier (I have a sword that is visually similar to a rapier that was custom made for me, but the weight and balance of it makes it much closer to a cavalry sabre). So I don't have any other rapiers to compare this one to directly.
Additionally, I sadly do not have any formal training with rapiers. I've done plenty of research on rapier techniques, watched instructional videos and read documents on the subject, but I've never had the pleasure of sparring one-on-one with another swordsman, nor have I had a professional instructor. This is largely due to the fact that the closest HEMA school is an hour's drive from my house and I've got a lot of other stuff taking priority over that particular fancy right now.
I will say, however, that having now held and drilled with this sword, I'm definitely considering looking into professional training on the subject.
Right, disclaimer over! On with the review itself!
SPECIFICATIONS:
Sword name: Deepeeka Swept-Hilt Rapier
Model number: AH3405
Overall length: 115cm (45.2in)
Blade length: 84.5cm (33.2in)
Weight: 0.9kg (1.9lbs)
Blade material: Tempered 1045 carbon steel (probably, no direct confirmation on this.)
Hilt material: Stainless steel (again, probably. Going purely on look and feel for this one.)
Handle construction: welded swept hilt guard with wire-wrapped handle.
Pommel construction: Welded/threaded. (I think, feels too solid to safely disassemble.)
Edge: Unsharpened, as per India's export laws. Very sharp point, though.
Scabbard: Stitched, flexible black leather with plain stainless steel fittings.
VISUALS:
Rapiers, on the whole, have been a fascination of mine in the last year or so. And this is in no small part due to their design, which I generally think of as “Elegant”. There is something about the combination of a long, slender blade with a complex, sometimes extravagant hilt that gives these swords a unique kind of charm. This, and their place in pop-culture as the weapon of gentlemen, aristocrats, and dashing young men in tight-fitting black clothes.
This particular model is, in many ways, one of the more “simplistic” in terms of design. There are no engravings, no fancy twisted wires or filigree on the handle. The blade is straight with a diamond-edge grind, and the only noticeably decorated part is the pommel, with some simple art-deco-ish lines across it. The entire sword – from tip to pommel – has a lovely silvery-steel finish that catches the light in all the best ways without going so far as being a mirror-sheen.
And personally, this is all A-Okay with me. Compared to the rest of my collection, this sword stands out like a gemstone, and has the exact kind of visual elegance that I adore in rapiers. I never really went in for the gaudier swords, with all their encrusted jewels or engraved gold fittings. What I love about this sword in particular is how it can communicate its simple beauty without needing to dazzle people in the process.
But don't take my word for it, here's some pictures of my new favourite blade:
It's so pretty, even my partner's cat likes it!
It is worth noting, however, that there are some small areas of the hilt that were not properly sanded down during the manufacturer process, but these areas are superficial at worst, and took all of 15 minutes with some sandpaper to remedy. As of right now, you'd not even know they'd been there.
Overall, this sword is – visually – exactly what I had been looking for. Originally I'd had my eyes set on the Windlass Brandenburg Rapier, but honestly, I prefer the model I now own. The Brandenburg is certainly pretty, but its twisted wire hilt doesn't really meld with my personal aesthetic tastes.
Appearances are, of course, subjective. But let's just say that I'd be hard-pressed to find a production rapier I liked the look of more than this one.
HANDLING:
Weight and balance of this sword seem almost 100% perfect, to me. Now, I do say this with the caveat of never having used another rapier in any extensive manner, but according to the research I've done on the subject, the sword should be balanced towards the hilt and allow for easy point control and thrusting.
This sword delivers just that, with the point of balance being a couple of inches from the hilt (where the blade transitions from a simple flat bar to the diamond grind) I'm able to make very fast wrist cuts and very accurate thrusts, and this is all without any professional training.
The sword does feel a bit odd when making more broad, arm-based slashes, but this is only natural given the function of a rapier. Indeed, I'd be concerned if it leant itself to slashing rather than thrusting, as that's more the realm of military sabres and longswords.
There were one or two minor teething issues regarding the comfort of the sword, however. The biggest criticism I hear levelled at the Deepeeka brand is a lack of quality control. And while I feel that this seems a little more harsh than is perhaps deserved, I will say that the edges on the hilt were – upon delivery – a little rough on my hands.
This “problem”, however, was so easy to fix that I almost forgot that I'd even needed to fix it. With roughly 15 minutes of some basic sandpaper work (the same 15 minutes I spent touching up some of the weld spots) solved the issue entirely, and now the sword feels wonderful in my hand.
The only other issue I can think of is that the wire-wrapped hilt is a smidge rough on bare handed skin after extended use. But even this is a minor complaint at worst. My Agincourt also has a wire hilt and has the exact same effect. And personally, I'd still not have the wrapping replaced as I like the extra grip that the wire offers over leather or bare wood.
All-in-all, the balance and weight of the sword is spot-on, in my books. During some basic drills I was able to use it exactly as a rapier is supposed to be used. So Deepeeka certainly know their stuff when it comes to accuracy.
I'm also happy to report that the blade has just enough flex to be durable, while remaining very stiff and solid during drills and thrusts. I've heard stories about people buying rapiers that are so flexible they basically flop around like a whip when swung, and this little beauty does no such thing. It's not as flexible as my old Agincourt Sword, but can still be flexed fairly easily by hand. From what I can dig up on the item, the blade is 1045 carbon steel and has been properly heat-treated, meaning it should be plenty durable and safe for light cutting or even sparring, if I ever get around to that.
In summary? Feels great to use. I did need to sand down some of the rough edges slightly, but this was a non-issue and took less than 20 minutes.
VERDICT:
Taking my personal bias into account, I still have to conclude that this is a fantastic sword, especially given its price range compared to some competing brands. I've heard some nasty things about the Deepeeka line of swords in the past, but I can happily say that I'm yet to experience any of them. The sword is very solidly put together and absolutely beautiful.
It feels great to use as well as look at, and it meets my aesthetic standards to a tee. And if you're in the market for a rapier yourself, but are on a tight budget and unable to get one of the bigger-name brands, I highly recommend giving something like this a try. Compared to many other rapiers on the market, this is very affordable, and the quality on display is a lot better than Deepeeka's reputation might lead you to believe.
Perhaps I am simply working from a “good” example, here. But honestly, after looking at some reviews of other Deepeeka products, I've not noticed anybody having any major issues with their swords in the last few years. I can't speak for their earlier work, of course. But it seems (from my research at least) that the company has certainly picked up their game recently.
This is far and away my new favourite sword. And I say that even with my replica type-94 gunto hanging on the wall behind me (you can see my review on that sword right here if you're interested.) And make no mistake, I love that gunto, but this rapier is something else entirely, and is a sword I intend to keep by my side from here on out.
Got a video review in the works, and it should be of a better quality than my last one. So keep an eye out for that if you're interested!
Beyond that, I hope this review was informative and interesting! I'm super happy with this piece and I'd be interested to hear what everybody thinks of it!
Thanks, and take care, folks!