Okay, so no one likes MRL...

Ken Cook

Ken Cook

Joined
Feb 19, 1999
Messages
2,959
IF I were going to spend some $$$ on a blade that I could duel with, but was a better quality than MRL, could I find one in the 300 dollar range? (Really can't see spending more for something I'm gonna beat up on)

If so, where?
Who would everyone recommend for a GOOD (not great, but GOOD) rapier?
Preferably a classic swept hilt with GREAT balance but few frills.


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


 
Try Hanwei rapiers from Paul Chen's factory. Not great but good, under $300. And you can buy replacement blades to boot.
 
How about Del-Tin,I don't know the price off-hand,I'd guess somewhere in that price range though.Anybody?
 
I have been seeing alot about "only wanting to pay such and such" and expecting to get a quality blade. Or wanting to use only for "Live Steel" use and think by paying "only this much" and get something that would stand up to hard use.

I differ on this...quality is quality and sometimes a higher price will have to be paid to get a good blade that will last. There are some good commerical companies that offer decent pieces for what you want but for a few more dollars, there are custom makers that will give you more.

For hard use, a Medieval sword, rapier or other type, has to be made to higher standards to insure it will last and you dont have to regrind or rebate all the time. That the tangs are sturdy enough and wide enough to take the shock. The hilts stay tight and the blades tough/springy enough to take repeated blows with a minimum of damage. All edged weapons will get nocks and niches but some will get less than others. This last part comes from expert forging, tempering and annealling using proper materials in a consistant manner and with safety in mind.

You get what you pay for and "cheap price" does not mean "quality work".

My two cents.
 
Laurie, I agree as with most things when it comes to swords you get what you pay for. Having said that I will also say that there are some folks who are just flat out can't or just flat out won't pay custom maker prices. Do custom makers do a great job? Well, some of them certainly do and some of them make junk just like in any other business. That has always been the case with custom makers and probably always will be. If you buy a sword from a high end custom maker you may very well be buying a sword as good or better then anything any nobleman ever carried. On the other hand if you buy a good production sword you may once again be getting a sword as good or better then any sword that any nobleman (never mind the average man at arms) ever carried.

Ken,

Why don't you check out this site and see what you think? WWW.Lutel.cz I can't vouch for them at all but their stuff looks good and the answers that I have got back from my questions sound like they should. The exchange rate definately works in our favor here. Who knows you may find a great new source for us all.
 
Laurie,
Hey, I live by the rule TANSTAAFL (There Ain't No Such Thing As A Free Lunch) and I agree with you completely, however I don't really want to spend 500 to 1000 for a sword only marginally better than my MRL swords. (which have served me well enough)
There comes a point when it's a matter of diminishing returns.
The difference between a 200 dollar sword and a three hundred dollar sword may be quite large indeed, but the difference between a 1000 dollar blade and a 2000 dollar blade may well be so esoteric as to be non-existant.
My question remains;
Is it possible to get a "good" (defined as; significantly better than MRL quality) rapier for the ball park figure of 300 bucks?
If not, how close to 300 bucks? Do I have to spend 500? 450?
I'm WILLING to spend the money, I just don't feel the need to spend more than I have to for something that WILL be used weekly for live blade dueling.
Any suggestions?

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


 
PS
TWG,
It's my understanding that Hanwei is synonymous with MRL.
Am I confused?

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


 
MRL is owned by Windlass of India. They mostly sale their own wares but also sale items from Hanwei. Which is a Chinese outfit most well known for their $700 - $1,500 katanas.

Hanwei rapiers are good under $300. Del Tin are better, but closer to $400. Then there's Arms & Armor's line at $500 - $600. Even better rapiers are available at higher prices, of course.

Darkwoodarmoury also has a good reputation for your price range.

[This message has been edited by tallwingedgoat (edited 08-28-2000).]
 
Ken I would go with the Del Tin the quality is nuch beter and they are not that much more expensive. I also just placed an order from Lutel so I'll let you know when it gets here. It shouldnt be very long Turkey is a lot closer than the US.

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SSgt Christopher Wardlow
USAF Security Forces
425th ABS Izmir Turkey
 
Excellent Christopher! Please be sure to let us know how your order turns out!
 
I would have to agree with what everyone else is already saying. If you can afford them, a custom sword is the way to go. A couple of custom armories that are in your price range are Scottie Armory and Darkwood Armory. Both have very usable rapiers under $300.00. They both make weapons that are designed to be used. Scottie makes his own blades with lengths that you can specify. Darkwood primarily uses Del Tin Practice blades mounted on hilts that he makes in house. Both can also make you a sword using regular schlager blades, but these are really too short to be used as accurate rapier simulators. Darkwood will also put on a replica rapier blade, but then you would have to rebate the point before use.

I hope this helps!

Chris
 
Thanks everyone, I'll be following up on some of these.
Chris,
There's no need for a practice blade or a schlager blade.
Our group duels live blade only.
biggrin.gif


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


 
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