Rapier Question

[Ray_McCullough]

How heavy was the average rapier? If there is an average rapier.

[Aaron Pynenberg]

According to John's book around 2 1/2 to 3lbs-Aaron P

[John_Clements]

See our feature on Rapiers in the Spotlight section.

[Ray_McCullough]

Thanks

[Brian Hunt]

It varied depending upon what was considered a rapier. With that said, here is a webpage that has some actual measurements of historic rapiers that a guy got to measure and they fall within the ranges of the rapiers that Stuart, Eli and myself recently got to handle at the Antique arms show in Las Vegas. http://www.musketeer.org/Garrick/Blade_spec_article.html

Brian Hunt
GFS

[Ray_McCullough]

It surprised me how heavy they are. That just goes to show you how well they were balance.

[Brian Hunt]

The first time I asked JC about rapiers, he stated that they were so well balanced that they pointed to their target much like a laser pointer does, with ease. I didn't fully understand until I finally got to handle some. For me this brought a whole different light to the way a rapier should handle compared to any replica I had ever used. I now have a goal to try and recreate what I learned in Vegas in steel. Just as soon as I finish making my tools.

Brian Hunt
GFS

[Ray_McCullough]

Good luck on your swords Brian.