Dear Jonathan:
Thank you for your interest I’ll take some time to answer your questions and reply to your comments
The ergonomic hilt has the proportions of a French and a Spanish and all the significant parts of the rapier as described by its diminutive counterpart the Italian foil. The “Pistol grip” refers more to something like the Italian Visconti where the grip curves down so that the “the last 3 fingers of the hand grips the handle more like a gun with a truncated tang, however a version like this is not beyond the scope of Modern Rapier. It is true, the blade used in this rapier simulator is stronger than a sport epee blade, it is in fact a Del Tin triangular rapier blade, but the interior of the quillon block also ads to the strength of this devise. The ricasso of the blade nests within the quillon block at full thickness, as so it is surrounded by no less the 1/8” 330 stainless steel. The full-length tang tapers gradually toward the pommel. The entire weapon weighs in at exactly 1.9lbs.
The Modern Rapier fencing rules are just rules for tabulating and differentiating hits within a system so like for like or even mixed martial arts weapons like long sword or side sword can conceivably be used within the system. It would just be a matter of valuing the hits appropriately and wearing the appropriate protective gear while fitting the point of the blade with a standard archery blunt. While many systems try to pre justify the efficacy of an attack. Modern rapier does not begin to judge prior to the first hit occurring and then only when and where the fencers’ hit one another are valued and hits
As mentioned in our rules for dry fencing that a significant bending of the blade would be necessary to register a touché regardless of the blades agreed upon.
When we train and compete with each other. We use electrically wired sport epee blades and a point fitted with a 4lbs spring to greatly reduce incidental hits and help allude to penetration taking the place of the old style Pointe d’Aret for “Stopping hits”.
At first glance it may be difficult to ascertain the effective guards and parries that this blade allows, however, I’m convinced of its versatility in the hands of an experienced swordsman.
At this point we see the Modern Rapier rules as an open source system where all kinds of fencers can experiment and have fun while competing in a codified forum. We sincerely hope that ARMA is interested and we look forward to continued discussion and collaboration.
Kind and most sincere regards,
Phillip Karnezis,
Director, LancetFencing™
RedStar Fencing Club
Chicago Il.
www.lancetfencing.com
www.redstarfencing.com
