Wood Grip Rapier

Salvatore Fabris, Nicoletto Giganti and Capo Ferro were 17th C. Italian fencing masters who wrote books about the use of the rapier as well as the rapier with a dagger. These masters taught in courts all over Europe, and as such their lives became entwined with the political and historical upheavals of their day. Working in the Polish court of King Sigismund, in 1594 Salvatore Fabris nearly changed Swedish, and Finnish, history. Sigismund and Duke Karl, the warring brother and son of the now-dead king Johan III were negotiating in Uppsala after the funeral over the contested kingship. As most aristocrats, both men were accustomed to Italian entertainment, so a plot was hatched which involved costumed Italians, including a masqueraded Salvatore Fabris, performing an elaborate sword dance with drawn rapiers. Duke Karl was, however, forewarned that the performance was plotted to end in a real tragedy: his death by Fabris’ rapier. Having already dodged a previous assassination attempt by his uncle Sigismund, Karl did not attend the banquet. After years of civil war, e.g. the Cudgel War (Nuijasota) in Finland, Duke Karl was finally victorious and became King Karl IX, and father of the Lion of the North, Gustavus II Adolphus. Salvatore Fabris also survived the banquet, went on to work as a highly sought-after fencing teacher in several royal courts all over Europe, and to write his influential fencing manuscripts later in his life.

This Wood Grip Rapier is based on several 17th century swept-hilt rapiers, and a matching Main Gauche is available. The Wood Grip 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 grip is made of hardwood.

The high-carbon steel blade has been flex-tempered, so it is springy yet still suitable for delivering a very effective thrust. The matching Main Gauche is available -here-. Comes with a scabbard with black leather wrap and steel accents.

Made by Hanwei. Specs may slightly vary from piece to piece.

• Overall length: 113 cm
• Blade length: 93.4 cm
• Handle length: 12.5 cm
• Weight: 940 g
• Point of Balance: 9.5 cm
• Width at Guard: 19 mm
• Width at Tip: 10 mm
• Thickness at Guard: 5.8 mm
• Thickness at Tip: 2.7 mm
• Blade material: 1566 carbon steel
• Sharpness: Sharp