I picked up this little puppy from Geoff Freeman at the SFI classifieds for an amazing price. I had already been saving up for an A&A Italian rapier, but for the deal I got from Geoff, it was more than worth making a change in choice. Some stats:

Weight: 2 lbs 5 oz
Blade length: appr 38 1/4", plus a 2" ricasso
Overall length: 46"
POB: appr. 5 1/4" from quillon

Overall impressions: When I first picked this up out of the box, I wasn't sure how I felt about the balance. It was a little further forward than what I'm used to, although I've handled a couple originals, and one that I've gotten to hold had this sort of feel. But I've been playing with this for a week now, and I absolutely love it. Strangely, despite the slightly forward balance, this seems to help the tip just fall into place when I do a lunge. I can't quite describe why, but it just has an "alive" feel to it once I started doing some drills. The sword is blunt, as it apparently was originally was purchased with stage combat in mind. That was perfect, since I wanted it as a user sword. I at first thought that maybe the fact that it was ordered with stage in mind had to do with the tip heaviness, but now I actually don't think so since. I also had always had a preconception that forward weighted rapiers were obviously geared towards cutting, but this Bavarian is definately not such a cutter. My Darkwood rapier balances much closer to the hilt, and is much more maneuverable in the cut than this one is, but I find that I can control my thrusts better with the Bavarian.

It just goes to show that there's more to how a sword feels than just the balance.

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Hey Bill, How do you think it compares to my S13? A bit more true rapierish? (I seem to remember you got to play with it a bit before it was sold to me....)


I'm still loving the S13, immensely, and will have a scabbard done soon... its all done, except for lacquering. (i dont know squat about leatherworking, and im not going to try now - too busy, so black lacquer it is)

I just wish the S13 had about 4 more inches of blade....

I must say I am more impressed with the A&A than I was with the ArmArt. Though I have to caveat that and say that I'm 6' 2", so the ArmArt that you have was more like a parrying dagger to me. ;) In fact, the A&A is just slightly short for me, but close enough.

The ArmArt was by no means a bad sword, but from what I recall, it was a bit heft for a sword as short as it is. But I only got to play with it once, so it's a bit hard for me to recall. I also think the A&A has it beat in terms of even finish, but that's one of A&A's hallmarks, so it doesn't surprise me one bit.

A & A certainly turn out some beautiful work.

Hey I know both of those Rapiers.:) Sorry no real input here. Just an off topic question for Bill; Where the hell are the A&A GBS pics? :p

I would have never guessed that the Bavarian is lighter than the S13. The S13 definately felt more agile of the 2. Of course it probably was. I believe the POB is closer on the S13 than the Bavarian. Still the weight of the ArmArt suprises me.

It surprises me too... i can't feature the armart being more agile - to me it feels *slow* i know its not that slow, but it feels it.

Well Chris, it could be false memories planted by the government or maybe the computer matrix :p

It has been what, close to a year :?: , since I've handled the S13. If I had the two rapiers side by side then I might have come to a different conclusion. Who knows?? Both rapiers are lovely pieces and do what they were designed to do very well . . . thrust.