A general opinion of the A&A Gustav Rapier -- myArmoury.com

Ben Welch

I know there have been a handful of topics and a review on the same subject, however I would like a bit more recent opinion. How is the A&A Gustav Rapier? how is the handling and weight? I'm in the market for an early transitional cut and thrust sword/rapier that is just slightly more oriented towards the thrust than the cut. Would this sword fit the bill?

Nathan Robinson · myArmoury Admin

I find the rapier to be excellent. It's attractive and handles marvelously. My comments from years ago are in the review I wrote. I'm curious, however, what you define as an early transitional form? For me, an earlier form would be 1470-1500. The Gustof Vasa rapier is quite a bit later than that, dating to around 1550.

Ben Welch · Posted: Tue 31 May, 2011 2:45 pm Post subject:

From my knowledge (im no where near an expert), the transition began like you said arround the 1470's however from what I've seen the rapier did not reach its pure form untill arround 1560 and even then it wasn't widely adopted into culture until the early 1600's. So I do correct myself, the Gustav is more of a mid-transitional model than an early model.

Marko Susimetsa · Posted: Wed 01 Jun, 2011 5:20 am Post subject:

A&A is in the process of making my Gustav rapier at the moment, so I don't have first-hand experience yet. But, according to everything that I've read and heard from people who have had the sword at hand it should be a marvellous example of a sword from that era.

Will post my opinions and experiences when I get my sword, but it might be a couple of more months (I hope not, though), given the current wait times at A&A...

Gottfried P. Doerler · Posted: Wed 01 Jun, 2011 6:39 am Post subject:

maybe by transitional you mean the not yet fully developed/closed hilt, that will 30 years later become a 3ring...swepthilt...whatever ?

i`ve always wondered by what one defines a rapier. is it the blade ? is it the hilt ? is the munich town gard sword a rapier ?

Russ Ellis · Industry Professional

The one I handled was excellent in both handling characteristics (admittedly I am not a rapier fencer so my knowledge here is somewhat suspect) and aesthetically as well. I wouldn't hesitate if it appeals to you.

Marko Susimetsa · Posted: Wed 01 Jun, 2011 7:42 am Post subject:

Jean Thibodeau · Posted: Wed 01 Jun, 2011 8:08 am Post subject:

Craig Johnson · Industry Professional

To the good information one can find on this site about rapiers and there forms I would suggest adding these to your reading list. Very well written and informed discussion of what is a rapier!

What is a Rapier

The Rapier Revisited

Mr. Leoni has done a great job of looking at what constitutes the weapon and it would be difficult to have someone more well versed in the use of the rapier present the information so well.

Best
Craig

Marko Susimetsa · Posted: Wed 01 Jun, 2011 9:26 am Post subject:

Excellent links there, Craig, thank you!

I think I have read some part of Leoni's earlier definition and have used that as a basis for my own thinking (and seen that there's more evidence to support it than some of the competing definitions), but I had never actually read those two articles that you linked to. Very nice and concisely expressed thoughts about the nature of rapier.

Ben Welch · Posted: Wed 01 Jun, 2011 7:10 pm Post subject:

Marko Susimetsa · Posted: Wed 01 Jun, 2011 11:58 pm Post subject:

Well, I can only speak of my own experience, but I ordered mine in early March this year and it has not been sent my way yet. I have received a situation report, though, explaining the delays.

As I understand it, they have been very busy lately. There have been rumours of a "big order" on these forums, even.

Still, the sword is well worth the wait, I'm sure. Happy

Marko Susimetsa · Posted: Tue 07 Jun, 2011 7:16 am Post subject:

Just an update: I just received a word that the rapier is nearly finished and should ship in the next few days.

I'm rather excited! Happy

Ben Welch · Posted: Tue 07 Jun, 2011 11:01 am Post subject:

Awesome, best of luck with it. I've actually got an offer from another fellow on the site willing to sell me one second hand.

Jeff Larsen · Posted: Sat 16 Jul, 2011 12:00 pm Post subject:

Had one years ago and liked it. Sold it because I needed the $, regretted it. Jeff

Craig Shira · Posted: Sun 17 Jul, 2011 11:38 am Post subject: Gustav Vasa Rapier

.

Hello

I own an Arms & Armor Gustav Vasa rapier. I bought it years ago and then my group stopped meeting and I never got a chance to use it until recently. I have started learning the Bolognese side sword style and have used the rapier to good effect. I went to Combat Con and took a Spanish rapier class and used the Gustav Vasa rapier and took an Italian rapier class and used the Gustav Vasa rapier.

Overall, the sword did well in all three styles. The guard does a good job at protecting my hand, the blade is holding up pretty well to the bites and nicks from other swords, and I find it to be pretty versatile in both thrusting and cutting. As I have filed the gouges out of the guard, the decorative black finish has come off (which is to be expected), but the guard itself is still solid, sturdy, and very well constructed (my training partner is using a sword with a blade twice as thick as mine and is a beast). The craftsmanship is superb and everyone who looks at it, even with the nicks, bites, and gouges, ooh and aw over how pretty the sword is and how well it was made.

But the sword is weighty and if you are not used to that, you will need to get used to it. I am still getting used to it and, especially in the Spanish system, it becomes fatiguing very quickly to keep the weapon out. This does not have to be viewed as a complaint. Rather, I would say that the mass gives it more presence in the bind, offers a bit more in the cut, and has a few other advantages and disadvantages to a lighter sword. This comes down to personal preference.

I've also noticed that, when I wrap my finger over the ricasso, the ring that rises vertically from the quillon rubs against my finger when my blade makes contact with something else. As a result, the ring rubbed a piece of skin right off of my finger, even through my glove. I wonder if the ring would still rub my finger if it did not meet the quillons so close to the ricasso and was a quarter of an inch farther down. My solution has been to hold it like a German rapier, with my thumb on the flat of the blade or with a hammer grip for side-sword techniques. Or, if I know that nobody is going to be striking my sword with full arm cuts and stick to thrusts only, then I might put my finger around the ricasso.

Despite the finger-rubbing issue, it is a good, solid sword with wonderful craftsmanship and I have found it to work well for many different sword styles. I'd say it's a good jack of all trades.

I should also note that I ordered mine with a training blade. It is not a sharp but has rounded edges and a rounded end.

(Craig)

.

L. Clayton Parker · Posted: Sun 17 Jul, 2011 3:54 pm Post subject:

Thank you Craig for that wonderful and concise report!

Marko Susimetsa · Posted: Wed 20 Jul, 2011 9:28 am Post subject:

Haven't had time to try the blade out in any real action yet, but since I just received my Gustav Vasa rapier this morning, I had to come here to say that it is an absolutely gorgeous sword and none of the images that I had seen cannot compare with the real thing. The balance is great and I can almost feel myself being transported to the 16th century when I hold it in my hand.