This earthy-themed Pappenheimer rapier was made for a left-handed wielder, thought it can be used ambidextrously. We worked closely with our client to realise their oak-inspired vision, using their detailed sketches as a basis for our creation.
Chris considered several original rapiers that we handled at the Grand Master's palace Armoury in Valletta when balancing the sword. Modelled on an amalgam of late-style rapiers, this sword is as comfortable in the cut as it is in the thrust.
With a shorter blade and a slight back balance, the rapier has a very fast and active tip, able to make swift cutting actions to either side before returning to hold the central line. When it does thrust, it does so nimbly and assertively.
The comprehensive hand protection only adds to the sword's encouragement to cut, allowing for safe and effective actions in close measure. Chris took great care to keep the large shells as light as possible, choosing a hollow pommel and incrementally emoving stock from the shells to get the balance just right.
The sword is as much of a delight to behold as it is to wield, with our client's oak theme shining out in the engravings and material choices. The hollow pommel is hand-carved into an acorn shape, while the shells feature oak leaf engravings. The bare handle is made from polished oak, with a natural grain that gives the whole piece an organic feel.
Please see our pricing structure for an idea of what a similar sword would cost.
∴ Specs ∴
Total length: 116cm
Blade length: 102cm
Blade width at base: 2cm
Blade stock: 6mm
Grip length: 7cm
Grip and pommel: 12cm
Grip to guard: 6cm
Quillon span: 30cm
Weight: 1140g
Point of Balance: 12cm
Ambidextrous
Blunt edges
Rounded tip
Fencing flex
∴ Notes ∴
The hand-forged and heat-treated guard and pommel are polished to a satin finish. The pappenheimer guard is formed of round quillons flaring to the terminals, encased in a shell guard with decorative rims and oak leaf engravings.
The oak grip is left bare, and polished to bring out the natural grain of the wood. The oak theme is continued in the hollow pommel, which is hand-engraved into an acrod shape, with a textured 'cup'.
∴ Gallery ∴
∴ A Solstice Bout ∴
A shiver bites the back of your neck as your heavy boots crunch through snow and pine needles. You tug at your hand-knitted scarf, and tuck your gloved hands into your armpits. It won't be long now, you remind yourself.
A flash of movement catches your eye against the gloaming. You stop despite yourself, wondering with a sudden pang if it was a deer or a pigeon fit for your Yuletide pot. But no skittering hooves or fluttering wings fill the snow-muted silence. The world is hushed, as if holding its breath.
Ignoring every fairy tale your mother ever told, you find yourself stepping off the path, a quaint curiosity leading you deeper into the forest. And then the silence is broken, by the clash of steel on steel. Your breath catches in your throat, and the cold air tastes like blood.
Ahead in a clearing stand two figures: one tall and regal, wielding a slender rapier with an acorn pommel, and the other broad-shouldered and bristling, the guard of his sword spiked and scalloped like a holly leaf.
You watch transfixed as they dance in the darkening woods, the Oak King's blade flashing faster and faster as the Holly King weakens and slows. At last the latter falls to his knees, his head bowed in respect rather than submission. The Oak King nods silently, stooping to clasp his opponent's hand.
In the silence that follows you feel the forest shift, as if exhaling in relief. The Oak King turns, his eyes meeting yours...
And then you are alone again at the edge of the snow-covered glade, with no footprints to mar the sparkling carpet of white. Only a tiny oak sapling, its greenness almost gaudy against the subdued glade.
No, it won't be long now.