Heat treating for Rapier blades?

Ken Cook

Ken Cook

Joined
Feb 19, 1999
Messages
2,959
I've been thinking very seriously about doing a stock removal rapier blade, but have been deadlocked by the inability to find someone who can heat treat.
After reading Howard Clark's "Manifesto" on heat treating, I was disappointed to find that his length limit is FAR below what I need. (Too bad, I like his attitude.)
So does ANYONE know of someone who can reliably heat treat a blade (including tang) of 48 inches?
(Yes, I know that seems ridiculously long to you katana folk, but that's the way of rapiers.)


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I cut it, and I cut it, and it's STILL too short!
 
Good question...I wish I knew actually. I know several Euro sword makers send their blades off to be heat treated...but I don't know who they send to. If I can contact some of them, I'll ask.

Don't want you to think your question is going ignored...I just really don't know yet.

Shinryû.
 
I am not sure if this will help.
This is my rapier by Dr. Hrisoulas(JPH) in L6
View

It has 46" blade but have very very good flexibility, and survived some very harsh punishment from an steel ASP baton too.
I think the good doc is just recovered from an eye injury and catching up on orders but you can always contact him to see if he can help I think.

And also Glen Parell also makes rapiers and I think he is now using high-temp salt for heat treating. I don't know how good he is though. But Lancelot got a very good sword from him laterly and the heat-treating seems alright as the sword has very good flexibility too.

Joe

[This message has been edited by JoeL (edited 12-07-2000).]
 
Thanks guys, I appreciate the effort.

JoeL, that's a work of ART!
I don't suppose it would be too much trouble to ask you for a closeup shot of the hilt?


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I cut it, and I cut it, and it's STILL too short!
 
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