I only build hilts as a hobby (I weld for a living, but Hilt maker I am not!)

Every now and then, I enjoy trying to build different designs, though ironically they're all on the same blade! :lol:

The blade is a 42 1/2" angus Trim practice rapier blade.

To start, here's the original guard I built.



A later hilt.


And onto the current one I'm building. it will be a pappenheimer rapier, though I'm still undecided on the number of rings I want to use. I won't be adding a knuckle bar (personal preference), but all of the details will be worked out after I finish the quillon block. When the guard is complete, it will be gunblued (my favorite finish!)



I still have a TON of shaping and building up to do around the quillon block. I've done all of the welding with a 110V flux core wire feeder (The only other machine I have right now is a 305 amp gas powered stick welder on the chev!)

I'll keep you guys posted as to it's progress (With the current economic situation the way it is, it keeps me busy!) :D