The hilts on the rapier practice swords are beautiful, but the blades are far too flexible even for practice swords. It is good to have it flexible in the last few inches for safety, but the blade should be thick near the hilt with a distil taper so the whole sword is rigid, except for the last few inches. The real ones were very stiff all the way through.
The second one looks like it has the opposite problem, very thick all the way through with no distil taper as apposed to too thin. Broad chopping blades were closer to a kitchen knife.
There are other groups that practice with very flexible training blades and individuals who like heavy chopping blades, so I understand why you made them that way. They still are cool, I do really like those hilts of the practice rapiers. I don't have much hands on experience with antiques, if you don't get more responses from people who have and if you still want them, you could try emailing John Clements or John Farthing, we are always on the lookout for good sword makers
abel wrote:It is my honor to be part of this great family of fans to arms.
My name is Abel Alonso, I live in the south-west of Spain.
Work as gunsmith fabricate customized parts whether they are historical or not are. I would like to share with you my work and your opinions compartierais me to continue advancing in my profession.
I leave a few links to some of my work. Hope you like.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2vJcQylssshttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MiAGWBrgsdM