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Post by Dave Kelly on Feb 16, 2018 15:31:38 GMT
Thanks, I found it. That was written back in 2009, time flies. I would still like to hear from Kelly as he has had more experience now and more time to reflect on his experience with the Musketeer and compare it with the four above. Aikidoka made an impressive cutting demonstration with one, but that doesn’t require the blade qualities that I am looking for, mainly stiff with on nimble rapier. I know, generally rapiers aren't noted for nimbleness but it doesn't hurt to keep that in mind.   Pictures are worth a 1000 words. On the right is the familiar Windlass Musketeer still on sale. The middle sword is an A&A Musketeer, which in this case is a truly documented French military type. Left is the old model Windlass cup hilt of the same type as the new Musketeer. The two musketeers are of sufficient mass to be used to cut and thrust. But they are 3 lbs with weighty blades and compensating heavier hilts to balance them. They are not quick, nor are they comfortable holding the point. The older cup hilt is only 2.5 lbs. Blade is 3 inches longer, but half the mass of the others. Blade thickness is respectable at 6 to 3 mm. This combination is nimble and point efficient. Doubt anything more than a draw cut here. |
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Uhlan
Member
Posts: 3,121
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Post by Uhlan on Feb 16, 2018 16:50:14 GMT
Is the A&A worth the outlay?
It seems to be nice enough, but my Dresden is quite the good looking but overbuild clunker.
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Post by 28shadow on Feb 16, 2018 17:07:29 GMT
That pap does scream for a new blade.
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pgandy
Moderator
Senior Forumite
Posts: 10,296
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Post by pgandy on Feb 16, 2018 18:15:19 GMT
Thank you Kelly.
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Post by Dave Kelly on Feb 16, 2018 18:58:28 GMT
Is the A&A worth the outlay? It seems to be nice enough, but my Dresden is quite the good looking but overbuild clunker. Mine is an earlier model that I got a discount pass down on MyArmory. First blush I found the hilt way over weight. It's actually a fair cut and thruster; poor rapier. Craig Johnson said he'd be glad to work on the handling. That meant toying with the hilt. I didn't pursue it. It's in Granpa Kelly's rest home. |
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Uhlan
Member
Posts: 3,121
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Post by Uhlan on Feb 16, 2018 20:07:44 GMT
Thanks Gramps.
That's the problem with A&A.
Beautiful to look at but quite heavy.
I hope they make lighter stuff now.
But if I can score a second hand one at large discount.......
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Post by zabazagobo on Feb 17, 2018 0:12:32 GMT
Another great review, overview (article?). It's really cool to see these older models explored and how they compare to each other as well as the new stuff. I really enjoy my Windlass musketeer rapier and main gauche, which I decided on after reading over your review extensively many times. Two of my favorite swords by far.
Out of curiosity, are you familiar with any rapier or side-swords with similar stiffness and cutting utility to the musketeer that are a bit lighter weight?
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Post by Dave Kelly on Feb 17, 2018 1:52:33 GMT
Another great review, overview (article?). It's really cool to see these older models explored and how they compare to each other as well as the new stuff. I really enjoy my Windlass musketeer rapier and main gauche, which I decided on after reading over your review extensively many times. Two of my favorite swords by far. Out of curiosity, are you familiar with any rapier or side-swords with similar stiffness and cutting utility to the musketeer that are a bit lighter weight? That's tough to answer. 1.12 inch blades are practically heavier than rapiers. You start dropping the weight on complex hilt swords and the first component that takes a hit to scale are the blades. The hilts stay heavy because you want point control and balance back on the hand. DelTin and Arms and Armor do a lot of early rapiers with bigger blades. Del Tins are 600-800.00. Lot of feedback from folks that they think the blades are weak (too much flex). A&A will customize for you but you're in the 1200-1600.00 stratos. Lutel is expensive, but to my experience they are consistently refined blades. The Windlass Munich town guards side sword is something to try. Complex hilt. Excellent balance. Hanwei just reintroduced their side sword sharps, which has been popular. Another Windlass still available is the Rheinfelden side sword. The blade lacks some thickness, but the temper is good, it's lighter and can deliver cut ant thrust. Only hangup may be that this is a special order from Finland that was arranged by the dealer, with Windlass. You can call it up at Irongate Armory. Probably missed something. Someone can fill in the blanks. |
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AndiTheBarvarian
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"Lord of the Memes"
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Posts: 10,322
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Post by AndiTheBarvarian on Feb 17, 2018 6:54:11 GMT
The Hanwei Cup Hilt Taza Rapier is on the light side for a rapier but still a rapier I think (don't have much experience).
It's my favorite.
The Windlass Florentine Rapier is very light and agile, but I'd call it a transitional rapier/degen, not a real rapier.
The Windlass Munich is nice but much overweight, esp. in the hand like a dumbbell, very tiring.
They counterbalanced a heavy blade with a very heavy guard and pommel.
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Post by zabazagobo on Feb 18, 2018 22:34:52 GMT
I've been wanting to nab an A&A rapier for awhile, but then I end up spending my budget on less expensive options. I was starting to save up in earnest for one, but then I noticed VA's new models and I still haven't resolved who will get my business first. I've been looking at the Munich forever, but I've always been under the impression because of it's weight it wouldn't feel very balanced. Your comments that it feels well balanced is really good to hear as the weight is something my arm can learn to like. The recently re-released Hanwei sidesword looks really nice as well. On the subject of Hanwei, what are your thoughts on their swept hilt rapier with the wooden handle (available at Kult of Athena and elsewhere)? And thanks for the suggestion on the Taza, AndiTheBarvarian. What are the specs on yours? I like cup hilts a lot. |
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AndiTheBarvarian
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"Lord of the Memes"
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Posts: 10,322
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Post by AndiTheBarvarian on Feb 19, 2018 5:50:56 GMT
The specs and pictures of the Taza are in the Sword Construction Data Base in the Sword Customization section, page 5.
There's also a review in the [OLD] Sword Review section.
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Post by zabazagobo on Feb 19, 2018 6:30:29 GMT
The specs and pictures of the Taza are in the Sword Construction Data Base in the Sword Customization section, page 5. There's also a review in the [OLD] Sword Review section. Sweet, thanks for referring me there. I'll take a gander. |
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