| Author |
Message |
|
Chris Artman
|
 Posted: Fri 16 May, 2008 5:12 pm Post subject: What is Your Favorite Rapier? |
 |
|
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?
|
|
  |
 |
James Pullen Jr
|
| Posted: Sat 17 May, 2008 12:54 am Post subject: |
|
|
|
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.
|
|
 |
|
|
Jeremiah Swanger
|
| Posted: Sat 17 May, 2008 1:05 am Post subject: |
|
|
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.
"Rhaegar fought nobly.
Rhaegar fought valiantly.
Rhaegar fought honorably.
And Rhaegar died."
- G.R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire
|
|
 |
|
|
Justin King
Industry Professional
|
| Posted: Sat 17 May, 2008 7:37 am Post subject: |
|
|
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.
 Attachment: 10.92 KB
|
|
|
|
|
Gordon Clark
|
| Posted: Sat 17 May, 2008 10:05 am Post subject: Re: What is Your Favorite Rapier? |
|
|
| Chris Artman wrote: | 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? |
Do you mean this one http://www.myArmoury.com/review_aa_custrap.php?
If so, I have seen it, and it is very nice. It might be my favorite.
I also really like my A&A Writhen.
Gordon
Attachment: 38.35 KB
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anders Backlund
|
| Posted: Sat 17 May, 2008 5:57 pm Post subject: |
|
|
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. 
The sword is an ode to the strife of mankind.
"This doesn't look easy... but I bet it is!"
-Homer Simpson.
|
|
|
|
|
William Goodwin
|
| Posted: Sat 17 May, 2008 6:09 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Armour Class Pappenheimer....
Attachment: 17.14 KB
Roanoke Sword Guilde
roanokeswordguilde@live.com
"I was born for this" - Joan of Arc
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dale A. Taylor
|
| Posted: Sat 17 May, 2008 6:18 pm Post subject: |
|
|
To me, this piece by Patrick Barta transcends swordsmithing and cutlery to become full scale art.
(yeah, I kinda like it.)
"You know, we could have chainsaw races every month if people around here healed faster"-Red Green
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jeremiah Swanger
|
| Posted: Sun 18 May, 2008 12:24 am Post subject: |
|
|
| Dale A. Taylor wrote: | To me, this piece by Patrick Barta transcends swordsmithing and cutlery to become full scale art.
|
So does just about everything else he does. What's your point? 
"Rhaegar fought nobly.
Rhaegar fought valiantly.
Rhaegar fought honorably.
And Rhaegar died."
- G.R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire
|
|
|
|
|
|
Joe Fults
|
| Posted: Sun 18 May, 2008 8:10 am Post subject: |
|
|
| William Goodwin wrote: | | Armour Class Pappenheimer.... |
Had one of those and found it to be not as nice in person as in the photos.
"The goal shouldn’t be to avoid being evil; it should be to actively do good." - Danah Boyd
|
|
|
|
|
|
Edward Hitchens
|
| Posted: Sun 18 May, 2008 10:42 am Post subject: |
|
|
My favorite production rapier has always been A&A's German rapier, a piece that I was finally able to acquire recently!
"The whole art of government consists in the art of being honest." Thomas Jefferson
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chris Artman
|
| Posted: Sun 18 May, 2008 10:45 am Post subject: |
|
|
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?
Last edited by Chris Artman on Sun 18 May, 2008 1:31 pm; edited 2 times in total
|
|
|
|
|
Hugo Voisine
|
| Posted: Sun 18 May, 2008 1:26 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| Quote: | | Had one of those and found it to be not as nice in person as in the photos. |
I agree, my rapier instructor have one. The basket is just too large, and the blade is a bit on the heavy side...
« Que dites-vous ?... C'est inutile ?... Je le sais !
Mais on ne se bat pas dans l'espoir du succès !
Oh ! non, c'est bien plus beau lorsque c'est inutile ! »
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chris Artman
|
| Posted: Sun 18 May, 2008 6:35 pm Post subject: |
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jason Elrod
|
| Posted: Mon 19 May, 2008 3:13 am Post subject: |
|
|
| Chris Artman wrote: | 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 |
From what I've seen there seems to be little to no difference cosmetically or handling wise between A&A Custom Rapiers & Production Models. Their production rapiers are very high quality so for me the only reason to go A&A custom is to get exactly what you want.
|
|
|
|
|
Bennison N
|
| Posted: Mon 19 May, 2008 5:35 am Post subject: |
|
|
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...
Attachment: 68 KB
What a pretty hilt!
Attachment: 48 KB
That's one sexy 418 year old!
"Never give a sword to a man who can't dance" - Confucius
अजयखड्गधारी
|
|
|
|
|
Bennison N
|
| Posted: Mon 19 May, 2008 5:45 am Post subject: |
|
|
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...
Attachment: 21.27 KB
Attachment: 15.78 KB
"Never give a sword to a man who can't dance" - Confucius
अजयखड्गधारी
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chris Olsen
Location: Saint Paul Joined: 23 Mar 2006
Posts: 54
|
| Posted: Mon 19 May, 2008 7:16 am Post subject: |
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
Thom R.
|
| Posted: Mon 19 May, 2008 9:29 am Post subject: |
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
|
Christopher Gregg
|
| Posted: Mon 19 May, 2008 11:45 am Post subject: My favorite rapier |
|
|
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! 
Christopher Gregg
'S Rioghal Mo Dhream!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
This is a standard topic