Solingen Rapier

Description of the Product

During the Renaissance swordplay was considered an essential part of a gentleman’s education and was often used to resolve disagreements. The rapier sword was a civilian and a dueling weapon from the 16th century onwards, and it was mainly designed for thrusts, ideally through an opponent with whom you’d had a gentlemanly dispute.

Based on a German piece from the 17th century, this Solingen Rapier and its matching Main Gauche have S-curved quillions, which were popular in the renaissance rapiers made in Solingen. Although the blades often originated in one of the blade making centers, such as Toledo or Solingen, the local manufacture of hilts meant that regional variations were varied in both design as well as in the use of materials.

Solingen lies near Cologne in Germany. For over two millennia the area has been known for its manufacture of blades, thanks to its naturally advantageous location. The river Wupper gave power to the grinding wheels, and the soil revealed rich deposits of iron ore. The village was surrounded by dense forests supplying unlimited amounts of wood for making charcoal. Last but not least, Cologne was one, if not the, richest town in Germany, and had the money available for consumption of the steel goods Solingen produced. The city also had powerful export companies which traded the prized Solingen blades across the European continent.

The Solingen rapier has a stainless steel hilt, for reduced maintenance. The rapier has classical lines; the delicate and ornate swept-hilt provides excellent hand protection. As well as protecting the fingers and knuckles the quillions also provide a variety of grips which give you leverage in combat. The hilt is of the same size as in the original museum pieces, which provides an authentic feel in your hand. The comfortable grip is wrapped in twisted wire and decorated with two Turkish knots.

The high-carbon steel blade has been flex-tempered, so it is springy yet stiff enough for a very effective thrust. The Solingen rapier weighs only 1000g, of which the ornate hilt accounts for quite a significant portion, which means that its point of balance makes it extremely fast in the hand, feeling almost weightless. The very tight diamond cross-section makes the blade almost stiletto-like, and sufficiently stiff for serious thrusts.

The blade is interchangeable with a blunt practical blade (sold separately), designed for safety in rapier sparring. The matching Main Gauche may also be equipped with a sparring blade. Includes a scabbard with brown leather wrap and matching steel accents.

This antiqued version of the Solingen Swept-Hilt Rapier features a hilt finish developed by Hanwei that allows a museum-quality patina to be applied to stainless steel while the non-corroding properties of the steel are retained. This finish is very attractive and gives an authentic appearance to the sword.

Replacement blades are available for this rapier. Made by Hanwei. Specs may slightly vary from piece to piece.

• Overall length: 114,3 cm
• Blade length: 93.3 cm
• Handle length: 13.4 cm
• Weight: 1000 g
• Point of Balance: 11.0 cm
• Width at Guard: 19.3 mm
• Width at Tip: 11 mm
• Thickness at Guard: 5.6 mm
• Thickness at Tip: 3.5 mm
• Blade material: 1566 carbon steel
• Sharpness: Sharp