Sparring Swords: Rapiers

General Information - Blades - Guards - Pommels and Grips

General Information

The sword used by the duelist and as a status symbol from the 16th through the 17th Century, rapiers are as much a work of art as a self defense tool.

Rapiers can vary widely in style - therefore, we have made many different variations. Not every type of hilt configuration is represented in our past work - so if you are interested in a style of hilt which is not shown, feel free to reach out with your ideas.

Blades

The most popular rapier blade we have mounted is the Castille Elite Rapier. Offered from 40” to 45”, this blade has a taper from 0.625” to 0.3125”. Most distinguished by its pierced fuller, the Castille Elite is a light and quick blade that feels great in the hand.

The other rapier blade we often mount is also produced by Castille, the Castille Standard. Also offered from 40” to 45”, this workhorse has a taper from 0.875” to 0.3125”.

Guards

Rapier guards can vary widely, from the simple to the intricate. Similarly, the guards can be simple in execution, or created with significant decoration with filework, shaping, and inlay. Some general forms include:

  • Swept hilt

  • 5-ring hilt

  • Cup hilt

  • Pappenheimer

If there is a specific style of guard you would like, feel free to reach out with your ideas or reference images.

Guards are typically made from Mild Steel. However, some styles can be made from heat treated 4130 ChroMoly steel for added durability. Either steel option can be finished in Bright Satin or Blackened.

Pommels and Grips

Pommel options include Disc (Type G), Faceted Scent Stopper (Type T), Round Scent Stopper (Type T2), or Fishtail (Type V1)

Each grip core is made of impact-resistant polycarbonate. It can either be covered with a layer of cotton cord and finished with lightweight hand-dyed veg-tan leather, or wrapped with braided metal wire.

Leather colors available include black, brown, red, oxblood, blue, green, and black (other colors available on request).

Wire options include blackened or polished steel, copper, brass, or a combination of materials.

  • - Spherical pommel
    - Blackened wire-wrapped grip
    - Heat-blued Pappenheimer hilt
    - 45" Castille Basic blade

  • - Barrel pommel
    - Rayskin grip
    - Five ring hilt with circle details
    - SEF rapier blade

  • - Scent stopper pommel
    - Blackened wire-wrapped grip
    - Swept hilt
    - Castille blade

  • - Faceted round pommel
    - Copper wire-wrapped grip
    - Spiral swept hilt
    - SEF blade

  • - Spherical pommel
    - Brass wire-wrapped grip
    - Heat-blued Pappenheimer hilt
    - 45" Castille Basic blade

  • - Round pommel
    - Brass wire-wrapped grip
    - Heat blued swept hilt
    - 45" Castille Basic blade

  • - Scent stopper pommel
    - Copper wire-wrapped grip
    - Swept hilt
    - Castile Elite blade

  • - Barrel pommel
    - Blackened wire-wrapped grip
    - Swept hilt with barrel details
    - Castille Standard blade

  • - Scent stopper pommel
    - Blackened wire-wrapped grip
    - Blackened swept hilt
    - Castille blade

  • - Faceted scent stopper pommel
    - Copper wire-wrapped grip
    - Blackened Pappenheimer hilt
    - SEF rapier blade

  • - Faceted scent stopper pommel
    - Brass wire-wrapped grip
    - Pappenheimer hilt
    - SEF rapier blade

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