Vladimir Cervenka Floral Rapier (2000222) and matching Main Gauche

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Introduction

The original inspiration for this rapier is a Venitian side-sword from the second half of the XVIth century. Del Tin produces a faithful replica of the original while Vladimir Cervenka and, more recently, Danelli Armouries have adapted the model into a rapier. Each three have substantial variations among one another, both in the hilt aspect and the shape of the blade. Due to health issues, Mr. Cervenka had to delay by several months the delivery of the rapier and main gauche. Vladimir always replied to mails with promptness and courtesy.

The three interpretations
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The rapier
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Measurements and specifications

Overall length : 46 5/8’’
Blade length : 39 3/4’’
Blade composition: Spring Steel CSN 14 260
Weight: ~2 lbs 9 oz
Point of balance: ~2 1/4” from guard (right after ricasso)
Center of percussion: ~25’’ from the guard
Blade width: 21.9 mm at ricasso 25.9 mm at its largest 7.9 mm at 1’’ from the point
Blade thickness: 7 mm at ricasso 7.7 mm after ricasso 2.3 mm at 1’’ from the point
Cross section: Diamond
Ricasso length: 2 ¼’’
Fullers width: 5.4 mm at its largest (and then drastically reducing in the last ~5 mm)
Fullers length: 7 1/4’’ (starting at 2 1/4’’ from the guard)


The Blade

The blade is nicely made, with a thick central ridge. The high proportion of silicon in the Spring Steel CSN 14 260 is allowing a lot of flexibility when applying pressure on the flat of the blade while behaving like a stiff blade when handled and swung. The blade doesn’t feel whippy at all when in the hand. The blade is double fullered in the forte.

Hilt

Beside having some cosmetic flaws and having a sometime crude and raw level of finish, the hilt is a cohesive ensemble with an aesthetically pleasing rustic handmade look. While I usually prefer a shorter handle on rapiers, I must say that this rapier offers a very comfortable grip. The handle and the pommel are especially pleasing to the eye. The hilt could somehow have benefited of a higher level of finish and details.

Handling

This is where this rapier really distinguish itself. I own several rapiers and I have handled numerous others, sharpen and practical models. This particular rapier is well-balanced, very responsive and offers good point control, very organic. The blade easily produces a nice whistling sound when it cut through air, even when swung weakly.

Conclusion
I’m pretty happy with this purchase. Vladimir made leather sheaths, a baldric and a belt to match the rapier and main gauche, all is beautifully made. Stitching is strong and regular and the blades hold tight in the sheath when hold upside down. If Vladimir would raise his standards of finish and details, I have no doubt he could produce products that could vie with the best rapier makers. That said, Vladimir prices are very competitive and products are worth buying

Matching Main Gauche

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Measurements and specifications

Overall length : 19’’
Blade length : 13 3/4’’
Blade composition: Spring Steel CSN 14 260
Weight: 15 oz
Point of balance: 0’’
Blade width: 22.3 mm at ricasso 27.3 mm at its largest 9.1 mm at 1’’ from the point
Blade thickness: 7 mm at ricasso 6.3 sfter ricasso 2.2 mm at 1’’ from the point
Cross section: Diamond
Ricasso length: 1 5/16’’

Compared with other rapiers

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Thanks for sharing this review!
What beautiful companion weapons (love the leaf pattern).