Hi,

I was wondering, what is your favorite rapier, whether it be for beauty or performance...?

Has anyone seen the custom Rapier at A&A, I believe it is around $2,000.00...

Anyone prefer rapiers over swords, or simply enjoy both?

I don't know if it counts, but I'm gonna have to say the Schiavona. It's my all-time favorite type of basket, but there are so few on the market to choose from. Not a rapier, but close in time period.

Well, I have a few definite preferences. My all-time favorite rapier pattern (at least in terms of hilt-- my knowledge of rapier blades is still quite limited) would probably be the German and Flemish Pappenheimer.

I also like rapiers like A&A's German Rapier, Bavarian Rapier, and French Rapier (though the original inspiration for the "French" rapier is actually Saxon, according to the A&A website). I like the combination of upward-curved quillons on the "short" edge and the knucklebow on the "long" edge-- to me, that combination seems to create proportions that are both precise and elegant.

This is perhaps the most intruiging rapier I have seen-I don't recall where the photo came from, but Manning Imperial has made a reproduction, and I think Patrick Barta may have as well.

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I did have a favourite -a reproduction of a sword used in the Highlander TV series, I think- but I lost the picture and I haven't been able to find it again. :(

Armour Class Pappenheimer....

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To me, this piece by Patrick Barta transcends swordsmithing and cutlery to become full scale art.

(yeah, I kinda like it.)

My favorite production rapier has always been A&A's German rapier, a piece that I was finally able to acquire recently!

What custom rapier would you consider besides the custom A&A rapier mentioned previously? A&A's website/server has been down all weekend....

The myArmoury review again is: http://www.myArmoury.com/review_aa_custrap.php?

Why doesn't Albion make any rapier?

I take it that Patrick Barta is a premiere rapier smith?

I checked out Patrick Barta's website and saw the beautiful rapier there.... amazing. $4,000.00 Euro, so that is currently $6,230.00

All in all, that is a real beauty... I'll have to look into his website some more... Thanks for the heads up on Patrick Barta, I've never seenanyone do that level of detail. Can anyone even do that here in the U.S. ??

By the way, how noticeable of a difference cosmetically or hangling wise is there between A&A custom Rapier and the A&A production models? Essentially $800 vs $2300

I've always been more of a Jian guy myself, but some of these Rapiers are so pretty!

I found these pictures on oldswords.com (Item 14061).

Circa 1590. Milanese. Swept Hilt. 38 inch, double-edged, two-fullered blade. This is my favourite Rapier at the moment. If you know who owns it, and they ever want to sell it...

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What a pretty hilt!

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That's one sexy 418 year old!

To celebrate my new-found love for Rapiers, and because everyone is talking about Patrick Barta, here's some more pics of his hilts...

They really are awesome... No wonder he's some of you guys' favourite. What a master...

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for me i would have to go with my AA Dresden rapier with a wide rapier blade as opposed to the standard broadsword size blade, the introduction of the slimmer blade created the most well balanced sword i own, if anyone has held the stock version of this sword you will notice the quillons are huge, plenty of room in there which works great for those times I want to play wearing my guantlets and she has a bit of a heft to her, I assume that back in the day this sword was probably used, as opposed to looked at.
AA used to offer this sword with the option for the rapier blade, I never have learned why they stopped, probably it's still an option just not often utilized.

I'm sorry I don't have a photo to share at this moment, because much like my kid I like to show it off. I also don't have a picture of my son with me.

I'll chime in on the "performance" end. I prefer a blade in the 36-38 inch area, with a blade 1-1.2 wide at the hilt with strong tapers, and a total package not more than 3 pounds in weight. I have never felt comfortable with blades much longer than about 38 inches and under 34 or so, I would prefer an 18th c. smallsword. As for the hilt, there are so many varieties and to a great extent it is a matter of personal taste and historical accuracy (if you are interested in a specific period and place). However, I will put in a plug for the cup hilt, although it is not as "oooh pretty" as many others from the 16th c., I find cup hilts highly functional and very effective at providing both protection for the hand and a nice balance for the sword. A&A has lots of very nice swords to choose from (I have a rapier on order with them now) and I'll also say I like Scott's work at Darkwood Armory a lot. tr

I own two A & A's - the afforementioned German and the Gustav Vasa, which is a real beauty. The German is nice and light, with quick moves, but is only good for thrusts. The Vasa is heavier (although not quite as heavy as the original), and thrusts equally well as it cuts, IMO. Both look spectacular hanging from my Lutel Italian carrier. I really cannot choose between them!

I had the opportunity to handle one of A & A's custom rapiers a couple of years ago at the Bristol Renaissance Faire - it was the one on their custom page with fluted little finials on the cross that matched the pommel - it was amazing! :D