Live Steel Rapiers
"Live Steel" refers to the use of swords that are fully combat worthy. All rapiers below are within this category and are among the finest in the world. Live Steel rapiers come with a false edge, which is suitable for piercing but not for cutting. They can quickly be sharpened to slice through candles or any such dramatic thing. While we do not condone the use of sharpened weapons in practice, we do prefer functional rapiers and so we only offer those in our collection. Historical purists (which we count ourselves among) who wish to dress in fully authentic renaissance apparel can easily finish the sharpening of any of these fine blades. These blades have an excellent temper and are very popular among duelists. We encourage you to remove some of the edge if you intend to practice with these rapiers as the "false edge" is still dangerously sharp. All of our rapiers come with top-grain leather sheaths included, with matching steel or brass furnishings.
(For additional Schlager bladed rapiers, please see our Fencing Supplies
page and new Torino, Gustav, and Solingen rapiers.)
Closeout items are non-returnable. Limited stock
available of all closeout items.
A symbol of the highest quality in sword-making. Paul Chen
oversees the production of all Hanwei swords.
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Practice Side Sword: The Practice Side Sword uses the same hilt as the sharp version, but carries a sparring blade designed for safety. Side sword sparring, in both sword & buckler and sword & dagger modes is becoming increasingly popular with many proponents among the ranks of the various Renaissance societies. Overall length 42 1/2" Weighs 2 lbs 11 oz Item #SH-2279 In Stock! Very popular!
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| Taza Spanish Cup Hilt Rapier &
Main Gauche Long extolled as the pinnacle of rapier design,
the "Spanish" or "Cup-Hilt" rapier and its distinctive Main Gauche
undoubtedly combined style with function in a very effective - and often deadly - package
in 17th century Europe. The very best of these weapons featured beautifully pierced
cups and knuckle guards - even pommels. Hanwei has replicated these to perfection in
our "Taza" Rapier and Main Gauche. "Taza" Cupt-Hilt Rapier: From the intricate detailed twisted wire wrapped handle, to the fine foliate piercings on the cup hilt and pommel, this rapier is among the finest you will find in the world. A custom rapier, made to the exact same specifications as this one, would cost thousands. Hanwei has really outdone themselves with this one, and made it much easier for commoners to own a lordly weapon. Blade 38.25" , Overall 45.5" Item #SH-2035 |
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"Taza" Spanish Main Gauche:
Matching the SH2035 "Taza" Cup-Hilt Rapier, the "Taza" Main Gauche is
a beautifully decorated piece in the style of Spanish rapiers of the mid-17th century. The
distinctive triangular knuckle guard and the pommel are pierced in foliate decoration
while the high-carbon steel blade is exquisitely chiselled in the style of the
period. This weapon would compare favorably to custom daggers selling for $1,500 or
more. Blade 12.25" , Overall 17.5" Item #SH-2137
In
Stock!
Detail of the Spanish Main Gauche hilt and blade. This blade is truly exquisite - from the detailed piercings of the guard, to the small blade-catcher nicks along the blade. You don't have to be a Prince to look like one! |
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Renaissance Style Swept-Hilt Rapier:
Replicating an early 17th century rapier design, the scrolled swept hilt of this
extraordinary sword is particularly eye-catching. The wooden handle is authentic and
the balance is superb. This rapier has such an elegant beauty, I can almost hear
Mozart playing when I look upon it. 38" blade, 44" overall.
#SH-1024 1 In
Stock!
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"Taza" Cup Hilt Rapier - Antiqued: From the intricate detailed twisted wire wrapped handle, to the fine foliate piercings on the cup hilt and pommel, this rapier is among the finest you will find in the world. A custom rapier, made to the exact same specifications as this one, would cost thousands of dollars. Hanwei has really outdone themselves with this one, and made it much easier for commoners to own a lordly weapon. Item #SH2035N Measurements: Blade Length: 12 1/4" Overall Length: 18 1/4" Weight: 1 lb Buy the Matching Set - Taza Rapier & Gauche In Stock! |
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"Taza" Spanish Main Gauche - Antiqued: Matching the SH2035N Taza Cup Hilt Rapier, this main gauche is beautifully decorated in the style of Spanish rapiers of the mid-17th century. The distinctive triangular knuckle guard and the pommel are pierced in foliate decoration while the high-carbon steel blade is exquisitely chiselled in the style of the period. This weapon would compare favorably to custom daggers selling for $1,500 or more. Includes scabbard and belt frog. Item #SH-2137N See above for pricing. Only available with Rapier. Measurements: Blade Length: 12 1/4" Overall Length: 18 1/4" Weight: 1 lb |
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Solingen Rapier: Based on models of 17th century swept-hilt rapiers of Germanic ancestry, our Solingen Rapier (SH2205) with matching main gauche (SH2208) is an excellent rendition of the timely originals. The blades are constructed of forged high-carbon steel and are equipped with leather scabbards. The guard has a beautiful design with S-curved quillons to protect the hand and for wrapping the fingers around to increase ones grip strength. This rapier and the matching main gauche blade produced from Hanwei are now interchangeable with the Schlager Practice blades, which are designed for safety in rapier sparring. Also available in antiqued version, this design has been among the most popular we've seen for the last decade. The S-shaped quillons do not get in your way and offer sweeping lines that look great and are very functional in terms of balance and hand protection. Item # SH2205 |
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Torino Rapier: Based on models
of 17th century swept-hilt rapiers of Italian ancestry and combining the better features
of several pieces, our Torino Rapier (SH2204) with matching main gauche (SH2207) is sure
to become the standard by which all others are measured. The blades are made of forged
high-carbon steel and are equipped with black leather scabbards. The guard has an ornate
design with straight quillons to protect the hand and for wrapping the fingers around to
increase functionality and ones grip strength. This rapier and the matching main
gauche blade produced by Hanwei are now interchangeable with the Schlager Practice blades
(avail at bottom of page), which are designed for safety in rapier sparring. Also
available are antiqued versions of the Torino Rapier (SH2204N) with matching main
gauche. Item # SH2204 Ships
in 5 -7 days
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Torino Rapier - Left Handed: Based
on models of 17th century swept-hilt rapiers of Italian ancestry and combining the better
features of several pieces, our Torino Rapier (SH2204) with matching main gauche (SH2207)
is sure to become the standard by which all others are measured. The blades are made of
forged high-carbon steel and are equipped with black leather scabbards. The guard has an
ornate design with straight quillons to protect the hand and for wrapping the fingers
around to increase functionality and ones grip strength. This rapier and the
matching main gauche blade produced by Hanwei are now interchangeable with the Schlager
Practice blades (avail at bottom of page), which are designed for safety in rapier
sparring. Matching main gauche available below. We also carry a Left Hand
Rapier Belt to complete this ensemble. Item # SH2204L Ships in 5 -7 days
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Gustav Antiqued Rapier: King Gustav II Adolf (1594-1632) was monarch of Sweden from 1611-1632. In 1630 as a defensive maneuver, King Gustav II entered the Thirty Years War to secure the Swedish state and church from danger. An excellent military tactician, Gustav led an army of unusual quality, and his position was strengthened by alliances with France, Brandenburg, and Saxony. At Lützen in 1632, the Swedes defeated Albrecht W.E. von Wallenstein's army, but King Gustav was fatally wounded in battle. The Gustav Rapier (SH2206) and main gauche (SH2209) are reproductions of his originals and are truly fit for a king. The guard of the rapier is quite impressive in design and has a pierced shell on one side and scrolled guard on the other. Item # SH2206N
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Solingen Antiqued Rapier: Based on models of 17th century swept-hilt rapiers of Germanic ancestry, our Solingen Rapier (SH2205) with matching main gauche (SH2208) is an excellent rendition of the timely originals. The blades are constructed of forged high-carbon steel and are equipped with leather scabbards. The guard has a beautiful design with S-curved quillons to protect the hand and for wrapping the fingers around to increase ones grip strength. This design has been among the most popular we've seen for the last decade. The S-shaped quillons do not get in your way and offer sweeping lines that look great and are very functional in terms of balance and hand protection. Item # SH2205N |
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Torino Main Gauche: Made to match
the Torino Rapier, this stunning Italian styled main gauche is beautiful in its own right.
The picture sepaks for itslef, but you really have to see this to get the full
impact. Blade 14", Overall 17.5" Item # SH2207 Ships in 5 -7 days
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Solingen Main Gauche: Made to match the 17th century germanic styling of the Solingen Rapier, this beautiful main gauche also makes an excellent side arm on its own merits. The downswept quillons and side ring offer exceptional protection for the ambidextrous swordsman. The blade is constructed of forged high-carbon steel and comes with a matching leather scabbard. Also available in antiqued version, this design has been among the most popular we've seen for the last decade. # SH2208 |