[Jesse Belsky]

I finally got the chance (and the blades) to mount these two rapier hilts in a final "ready to ship" configuration, so i thought I'd share some pictures.

The blued hilt is mounted with a Hanwei Replacement Rapier Blade. This is the sharp version, which I then dulled for practice fencing or stage combat. Its the same as their practice blade (hollow ground, 37"), but that one is currently unavailable. The total package is about 2.25 lbs. and handles nicely. The hollow ground blade is lean and light.

The other hilt is mounted with a heavily modified Hanwei 43" Practice Rapier Blade. The ricasso on this blade is way too long for my needs, so I shortened it and then narrowed the remaining portion to make for a more comfortable grip. I also don't care for how thin and whippy this blade gets out towards the tip, so I cut it down to 38". They make a 37" version, but I prefer to cut the length off the 43" blade so as to end up with more width right behind the tip. The resulting blade is flexible but not whippy, and the whole thing weighs about 2.4 pounds and balances right in front of the guard (above the ricasso)

Mounting these blades was the first thing I did in my new (and as yet incomplete) shop in North Carolina. Hopefully I'll have time to get to some new work soon.....

If you have questions about either sword, please don't hesitate to message me. Prices are online at www.jessebelsky.com/stageswords

[Jean Thibodeau]

Very elegant hilts.

[Gottfried P. Doerler]

yes, they are adornable.
rapiers are simply the most elegant weapons ever. and imho straight quillons even more so.