When our client asked us to create a rapier and dagger set with a dark elven feel to them, we were excited to get to work. Incorporating ethereal flamberge blades with faceted angles, dark crystal motifs, and a seductively dark colour scheme, this pair will dazzle on and off the piste.
Named for the dark elves of Old Norse myth, themselves creators of legendary weapons, both sword and dagger balance a strong aesthetic with extensive hand protection and a few extra tricks for close work. While the flamberge blades provide an extra element of control in the bind, the main gauche dagger's downward sweeping quillons are ideal for trapping an opposing blade.
Please see our pricing structure for an idea of what a similar sword would cost.
∴ Specs ∴
Rapier
Weight: 1150g
Total length: 121cm
Blade length: 42″
Blade width: 2.5cm
Grip length: 8cm
Grip and pommel length: 12cm
Quillon span: 28cm
Point of Balance: 13.5cm
Blunt edges
Fencing flex
Swollen tip
Dagger
Weight: 830g
Total length: 56cm
Blade length: 17″
Blade width: 3.5cm
Grip length: 10cm
Grip and pommel length: 12.5cm
Quillon span: 17cm
Blunt edges
Fencing flex
Swollen tip
∴ Notes ∴
The hand-forged and heat-treated guard and pommel of both sword and dagger are blackened to a subtly shimmering finish, with selectively polished details.
The rapier features a Pappenheimer styles shell guard, which is carved and hammered to resemble a glistening geode in the rough. The effect is replicated in the sail guard of the dagger. Both sword and dagger feature hexagonal-sectioned quillons, with carved "crystal" detailing to the terminals. The same gemstone-like faceting can be seen in the hand-carved pommels. The dagger features downturned quillons, while the guard of the rapier sweeps into an imposing curl at the knucklebow.Â
Both sword and dagger are remarkable for their hand-carved flamberge blades, which will add an intriguing extra dimension in the bind.
The oak grips are carved into ergonomic coffin-like shapes, and finished in deep purple leather.
∴ Gallery ∴
∴ An Unusual Customer∴
You turn the rapier over in your hand, marvelling at how the light plays off the serpentine blade like a cold steel flame. Steadying it on one white-gloved finger, you check its balance, sucking breath through your teeth in surprised admiration. It is a beautiful piece: the gem-like pommel and quillons, the almost aggressive elegance of its curves, the glimmering facets of its onyx-black guard. And a dagger to match!
As you go to pick up the main gauche, you are interrupted by a gentle cough. You turn to find the smith's apprentice hovering behind you, a look of consternation lingering behind his polite facade.
"I am afraid that this set was made on special commission, your Honour. Made for a rather... particular client."
"Come now," you smile, turning the rapier in your hand. "How many years have I been your master's patron now? He knows I take a special interest in his more unusual pieces. Surely we can work out an arrangement. Go on - name a price."
"I can assure you it's more than my master's job is worth to cross this customer," the apprentice responds.
"Alright then," you laugh, "who do I have to fight for them?
You are surprised to see something like fear flashing behind the young man's eyes. Annoyance you might expect. Temptation, certainly, or at least a battle between conscience and commerce. But this is something else - as if his own blood were on the line.
You are about to speak again when the door behind the apprentice opens with a jarring jingle of bells. You fight to retain composure as you take in the figure who enters - and yet your face must betray some of your shock. Fine of figure and dusky-grey of complexion, the newcomer moves toward you with discomforting grace. Her coat and breeches are unadorned, yet perfectly fitted, as fine as any courtly garb.
She eyes the extravagant rapier in your hand, the decadent dagger on the counter beside you. A dangerous smile spreads from her wine-red lips up the length of her knife-edge cheekbones, to the tips of her pointed ears.
"Good," the elf murmurs, "good. You know I hate to be kept waiting."
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