Hey guys!
I want to buy my first decorative rapier sword for at home that I might use for festivals as well but I am a complete newb so some tips would be nice.
I found this Spanish rapier ( http://rapierstore.com/spanish-rapier-sword/ (http://rapierstore.com/spanish-rapier-sword/) ) and think it looks awesome, it is not very expensive as well in my opinion. My question is; is it really as cheap as I think? Does anyone know if this rapier is of good quality? etc. etc.
Any tips are highly appreciated I do not like to waste my money on a piece of garbage.
Thanks!
This is a beautiful sword.
The price at $162.00 is a midrange price for like swords.
There are other swords like it (without the brass coloring) for half the price.
You will need a frog to hold it to a belt, Or do as I have done and slid it between your belt and body, but will have a sore hip at Faire days end, and it may need to be peace tied at most Faires.
If you use it as décor at home, AND use it to wear at Faire, as it is considerably long at 44", the scabbard WILL get banged up over time. (You will have to get used to turning with it, and not hitting people you are with/near or walking by when you turn.) ( I know as I have one very similar, at twenty years old, and absolutely enjoy wearing it at faire, and is very scuffed/dinged. I have used it in staged combat for theater - but have filed the tip to a dull/blunt, from sharp for safety)
If you feel the price is reasonable - GET IT.
Yes I am aware that it has to be safe of course if I use it outside of my house, but at first I think I will use it for decoration only.
If I will use it for festivals I have also seen a few frogs on that same webshop so don't have to look any further for that.
I might reconsider buying a rapier that is slightly shorter than this one though I am not quite sure yet.
But your tips are very helpful in making my decision, thank you very much Capt Spleen!
Deepeeka (made in India) swords are fairly well made for what they are, costume replicas. The nickel or brass finish on the hilts will last for as long as you own the sword. Even the stainless blades need to be kept clean and oiled. The T416 hardened stainless does have iron in it and will corrode or rust if you don't keep water and fingerprints off.
$162.00 is a little high, but not terribly so. They label this sword as Spanish; but it is actually modeled after Imperial Austrian types.
http://database.flg.es/ficha.asp?ID=7267 (http://database.flg.es/ficha.asp?ID=7267)
Spanish swords most went from the ring hilt almost directly into the cup hilt between 1551 and 1600.
http://database.flg.es/ficha.asp?ID=166 (http://database.flg.es/ficha.asp?ID=166)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Spanish-Rapier-Medieval-Fencing-Sword-AH3342-Deepeeka-/161047007696 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Spanish-Rapier-Medieval-Fencing-Sword-AH3342-Deepeeka-/161047007696)