[A. Jake Storey II]

I was wondering about comparative weights of the modern reproductions of swords to the originals. Meaning in Nathan Robinson’s collection the Freebooter Rapier was 2.4 pounds, would the original have weighed the same, more, or less? In Bill Grandy’s collection the Angus Trim PS1537 Type XVlllb weighs 2.7 pounds, would the original be same, more, or less? This is really a Question about what kind of materials we use now in relation to what they used then.

[Torsten F.H. Wilke]

Jake, here's an answer to your materials question. The weight differential due to usage of modern metals versus historic ones in swords will almost be negligable. By far, the largest portion of weight in a new or old sword is attributed to the fact that it's made almost completely of various iron based alloys, except for furniture sometimes made from brass type alloys (Hope you get a laugh out of that Chad!). The wood and/ or leather hilt components don't add up to much of an overall weight percentage, and besides, those materials still exist and are used in those same forms unchanged. Now, it just so happens that normal usage iron based alloys don't change much in specific weight, since they are comprised mostly of, you guessed it, ... iron. Modern super-alloys wouldn't even change the overall weight of something as big as a sword by very much. The same goes for most aluminium alloys. For example, a weight savings of around 700 lbs was gained on the space shuttle main booster tank by reducing the copper content, amongst others, in the 22-hundred series aerospace aluminium alloy, and still retaining important cryogenic and welding properties. You know how big that tank is??? And only 700 lbs was saved. So, my point is, supposing sword dimensions stayed the same, that the use of modern versus historic iron alloys would not contribute to a change in overall sword weight in an appreciable manner... hope that did it

[Chad Arnow]

A well-researched, well-designed sword should weigh roughly what the same sword would have in period. Any difference should be negligible. The well-researched and well-designed part is the key.

In the two cases you mentioned (Nathan's rapier and Bill's sword), I'm not sure either one is based on a survivijng historical example.