Hanwei 17th Century Renaissance Rapier with Wood Grip and Steel Basket

This rapier by Hanwei has a Swept-Hilt design, giving it a graceful curve from the Picasso to the pommel. Forged from 1566 high carbon steel and flex tempered, the blade is secured to a stainless steel hilt with a hardwood grip. With the size of the hilt, weight, and balance matching a museum piece, this rapier stays true to original designs to provide an authentic "feel" for the wielder.

For sparring purposes, the blade of this rapier is interchangeable with Hanwei's "Practical" blade (OH2255), designed for safe rapier sparring. A matching Main Gauche (SH2117) can also be equipped with a sparring blade.

Our Renaissance-style rapier has origins that can be traced back to early 17th century Europe. During this time, swordplay with the rapier was an essential part of a gentleman's education as it was often used to resolve gentlemanly disagreements. While blades usually originate from Toledo or Solingen, the differences in styles and hilt materials results in the local manufacture of hilts throughout Europe.

The Main Gauche is a left hand dagger often used with he rapier to provide additional offense and defense. During this period, the "Schools of Fence" which proliferated in Europe also taught the simultaneous use of both weapons. Therefore, the Main Gauche would often have features that match the Rapier's style in terms of effectiveness and design. Both sharpened and unsharpened replacement blades are available for most of the rapiers and main gauches.