The characteristics of a high-end rapier

Today we take an in-depth look at two historical rapiers from the Oakeshott Institute Collection and compare them to a German Rapier by Arms and Armor. This highlights the characteristics that set our rapiers apart from much of the competition, and in particular from most HEMA training rapiers and mass market reproductions. These important differences include a coherent historic design motif that is consistent and accurate, correct sizing that is tight to the hand and ergonomic, a standard of finish that is as high on the inside of the guard as on the outside, the full working of all surfaces so that no machined or anachronistic surfaces stand out, and the inclusion of historical asymmetries that are functional and aesthetic componenents of real rapiers.