The Armour Archive

43" rattan rapier with prototype Hessen Ironworks low profile hilt (no clamshell) and a shaved rattan baton blade.
$80 including shipping in the U.S.
Hilt alone, $65 including shipping.

If you want the rattan cut down prior to shipping I will gladly do so (it will reduce my shipping costs). However, for a weapon designed primarily for thrusting, a few extra inches may be a good thing.





As is, the balance point is here:



I had to put my finger against the wall to get the finger steady, but the rapier balances upon it.

Holy crap! Awesome!

I dont know about rapier, but that would make for some awesome saber dueling, I expect!

That looks impressive, especially the hilt.

As someone who's fought only SCA rapier, never armored, I'm curious about this "rattan rapier." You say it's designed primarily for thrusting. Is it meant to be used only against another rattan "rapier", or is it usable for normal sword-and-shield fighting?

It is very usable for normal sword and shield fighting. The blade is a 1.25" baton so is no better or worse than the batons used by 90% of the heavy fighters in the SCA. The primary differences are length and balance.

Although it is well-balanced, at 43" long there is a lot of leverage to fight against if you slash with it. However, the extra length may be very useful for thrusting, if you can keep your opponent at a distance. Likewise, I would recommend sword-blocking by keeping the tip relatively still and moving the hilt instead if trying to slap aside incoming attacks. Most rapier fighters I have seen do this already. Once up to speed, slashes from this blade should hit with moderate authority (harder than shorter batons traveling at the same speed, but lighter than some of the other weapons I make).

Shortening the blade will move the balance point closer to (or inside) the hilt, resulting in a much faster slashing weapon that hits with authority based on speed instead of inertia.

have you taped one and found the balance point? also depending on what type of tip and how the tape is applied (spiraled or straight), the balance point could move even further out from the hilt.
hope that helps

There is only one. This hilt is a unique prototype that is unlikely to be repeated.

Thomas MacFinn wrote:This hilt is a unique prototype that is unlikely to be repeated.

Not that I want one but unique blades like that should always be built in pairs. Nothing is a truer test of a wariors skill then to match an opponent with identical weapons... especially with what constitutes dueling sabers.

Sean

I could easily hook this hilt up with a blade like this of somebody wanted a fast slashing weapon:

Sean Powell wrote: Not that I want one but unique blades like that should always be built in pairs. Nothing is a truer test of a wariors skill then to match an opponent with identical weapons... especially with what constitutes dueling sabers.

Sean

Remember those kolben maces I made?
Baron Eirik tried to sell a matched pair of them as a set for several months before giving up and selling them individually.

The few people that own two of my weapons rarely buy a matched set. I have to make what sells.

Thomas MacFinn wrote:Remember those kolben maces I made?
Baron Eirik tried to sell a matched pair of them as a set for several months before giving up and selling them individually.

The few people that own two of my weapons rarely buy a matched set. I have to make what sells.

Wow, I would not have guessed that to be true. When I get through the current chaos in my life I need to build a pair of Rene hilts with the shed roof to protect the thumb and send them to you for a matched pair... but obviously my spending habits are not the norm. Good luck with the sale!

Sean

How much space is available for your hand in the hilt? I'm abit concerned about fitting my clamshell gauntlet in there...

Robert the Stout.

How wide are your gauntlets and what are they made from? Mine fit perfectly (but those big loops really get me wishing for finger gauntlets so I could try something other than a hammer grip).



Needless to say, I can't make a fist while not wearing my gauntlet. There is more room between gauntlet and the knuckle bow than is pictured.

Put me down as interested, but I want to take some measurments of my gauntlet first. I'll make sure to do so this weekend. Of course, if anyone else is more definite, I will step away.

Robert The Stout.

Sold to Sean.

Thomas MacFinn wrote:There is only one. This hilt is a unique prototype that is unlikely to be repeated.

Stefan sent me an email saying he may make more down the road. I'll PM you, Robert, if that happens.

Sounds good. Thanks.

Robert The Stout