Arms and Armor German Rapier

[Das Bill]

I have always wanted one of these very badly:



My only issue was that, being a rather tall guy, the standard model is a little short for me. Due to the current A&A sale, though, I called Craig up and talked with him about some customizations, and have decided to purchase one. Basically, I'm buying one with a nail head blade for rapier fencing, but with the blade adjusted for my height. They'll have to make it have a lot of taper in order to compensate for the balance, but this is actually a good thing for a fencing blade, so that it will be nice and flexible.

I don't think I'm going to get the matching dagger, but I haven't totally ruled it out.

[Sir Brian]

WOW! 

That is a very sexy blade!

Is my envy showing?

[Sir Edward]

Gorgeous! I'm envious. If something like that fell in my lap, I'd be very tempted to take up rapier as well. (not that I'm not tempted to do so eventually anyway).

So far my "rapier" experience is just some semi-SCA-style pseudo-sport-fencing stuff with some slices and cuts thrown in.

[Sword Chick]

Hey, Ed, we need you in rapier!  The advanced class is mostly women.  I think you should come out and play with us. 

[Sir Brian]

Hey, Ed, we need you in rapier!  The advanced class is mostly women.  I think you should come out and play with us. 

woohoo! Now THAT was a loaded statement. 

[Sword Chick]

I meant that a man (too sexy for his armour) might want to keep us company. 

[Sir Edward]

lol!

[Das Bill]

It came today! I'm actually a little surprised: I expected this to take much longer to make since it has the customized blade.

Either way, I love it! I purchased mine with a nail head blade for fencing rather than a sharp. I have to admit, if I could afford it, I'd buy a sharpened version as well, since this sword is amazingly nice. The detail on the hilt just doesn't show up in photos, and the handling is excellent. It will definately see some good use on Sunday in class!

[Dragonlover]

Wow!
I'm jealous! Congratulations! Although I do feel you should have just went
ahead and got the matching. Ramen noodles are good to eat if you can
look at the pair...

[Sword Chick]

   Is it Sunday yet?

[Dragonlover]

Even if it was good Lady, I don't think our good Bill will be ready to
give up that blade for handling for a few weeks as yet! I think the lad is
smitten! Lol! 
 Besides, if it's nice here, I'm  rolling out the Ducati.....!
  (Sorry to mention that, Sir Brian, Just need to drag a knee..)

[Das Bill]

This is my new favorite rapier. (I realize I say that for different swords all the time... my love for swords is so fickle!)

The handling on this sword is fantastic! Seeing as the blade was custom, it's the perfect length for me, it is incredibly quick in the hand, and allows for good, quick cuts from the wrist. The flex is excellent: Enough to make a good, safe thrust into my partner, but not whippy at all.

I do have to get used to it not having the fore-quillon, as I attempted to parry with the guard a couple times and got hit because of it! All of my previous rapiers have had this, so I just need to practice more with this one (which won't be a problem! I've hardly put it down since I got it), but that's not really a functional quibble.

[Sir Edward]

This is my new favorite rapier. (I realize I say that for different swords all the time... my love for swords is so fickle!)

Haha, I think many of us are guilty of considering the newest one to be the favorite.

Sounds like a great new toy!

[Sword Chick]

: Enough to make a good, safe thrust into my partner, but not whippy at all.

If you were referring to Sunday afternoon, that should have been thrusts plural.    

It's a beautiful sword, even on the receiving end. 

[Das Bill]

If you were referring to Sunday afternoon, that should have been thrusts plural.    

I didn't just stab you, though! David and Joey took quite a bit of the brunt early on.