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Post by Dalin Caulder on Oct 16, 2017 18:17:09 GMT
I am an SCA'r and Zen Warrior is considered Starter rapier gear for us. In the past I have tried to contact them for more info on their blades as the 37" one is fairly whippy, and the 40" (a friend of mine has is just all over. I have never received a reply from them regarding their material of choice or who makes their blades. I am pretty sure it is machined, but was hoping someone more knowledgeable could maybe enlighten me about their sword materials/make?
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Post by 28shadow on Oct 16, 2017 18:29:45 GMT
I have had a few though I use their <35" blades purely for stage combat. I have not handled anything longer. You are correct in that they are machined, which isn't a bad thing at all. The blades I've had have all been fairly well balanced and easy to maneuver. Now I haven't owned their swept hilt guards because they all look really weird to me so I haven't attempted those yet. Also their email does not work. I have called them before and they are extremely friendly and helpful over the phone. I can't speak for SCA rapier combat as I've never handled their swords in that context. I've heard they tend to bend at the tang, and I can confirm the few I've owned the tangs were rather thin in comparison to something like a Hanwei Practical. Here's my rapier from them, which I pieced together from their available parts: I also have a custom rapier/sidesword thingy that was built off one of their blades by Benaiah Anderson. Here's a few pics of it:
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Post by Dalin Caulder on Oct 16, 2017 19:52:35 GMT
I noticed the name Fiorelli on the side of one of your blades. I have seen that on a few. Also I have heard their blades will get chewed up if used for cutting in any fashion (ie cutting combat sword to sword)
I own a 35 inch sabre guard and a 37 inch clamshell guard of theirs. used for sca fencing for years and have never had a problem. I haver nothing against machine made, just wasn't clear on the type of metal they are using and if maybe there was another reason rather then "they are just cheap" for the reputation of starter blade/getting chewed up.
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Post by 28shadow on Oct 16, 2017 19:56:25 GMT
I noticed the name Fiorelli on the side of one of your blades. I have seen that on a few. Also I have heard their blades will get chewed up if used for cutting in any fashion (ie cutting combat sword to sword) I own a 35 inch sabre guard and a 37 inch clamshell guard of theirs. used for sca fencing for years and have never had a problem. I haver nothing against machine made, just wasn't clear on the type of metal they are using and if maybe there was another reason rather then "they are just cheap" for the reputation of starter blade/getting chewed up. Curious, how do you find their clamshell guard? I've considered it a few times but the pictures make the hole where the tang of the blade goes through look rather small.
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Post by Dalin Caulder on Oct 17, 2017 13:12:18 GMT
The hole through the guard is fairly small, as it is designed to use their tangs to go through it. if you wanted to use another type of blade (with a larger tang) I'd imagine you'd need to machine the hole out a bit to fit it. I have the #SH2. Swept Hilt Guard - Clam Shell. it is solid as a guard. good hand protection..not too heavy. I can post pictures of my sword later today.
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Post by Obi Jon on Nov 21, 2022 13:13:05 GMT
I have tried zen warrior rapiers. I currently have 2, and it is a mixture of good and bad. I own their 3 ring swept hilt sword fitted with a 35' Fiorelli rapier blade. Firstly, it is too blade heavy, and it is chromed with a cheap coating. The guard (although it looks cool, the guard feels very off balance. This would be a good blade for stage.
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Post by Obi Jon on Nov 21, 2022 13:17:21 GMT
On the other hand, the cup style Italian musketeer blade made by TCA fitted with a 41' Musketeer blade seems reasonably well balanced and sturdy. I haven't had the opportunity to use it yet in combat. So, time will tell.
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