Brass Hilted Swept Rapier with EN45 Blade

Description

The Brass Hilted Swept Rapier you see here is a fine example of the kind of blade that once graced the hands of skilled swordsmen in the late Renaissance period. The blade is forged from EN45 steel, a medium carbon steel known for its balance of hardness and flexibility,ideal for the thrusting and cutting demands of rapier fencing. With a thickness of 4.5 mm tapering to an edge thickness between 1.8 and 2 mm, this blade maintains a keen edge while still offering resilience against bending.

The grip is fashioned from seasoned wood, wrapped tightly in leather to absorb sweat and prevent slipping during combat or practice. Over this, steel wire is coiled, providing both grip security and a traditional aesthetic. The hilt and pommel are cast from solid brass, polished to a bright finish. Brass was often favored not only for its appearance but also for its resistance to corrosion, making it a practical choice for these fittings. The swept hilt design, with its elegant curves and loops, serves to protect the hand while allowing nimble wrist movement,a hallmark of the rapier’s fencing style.

The scabbard follows suit, made from wood wrapped in leather and fitted with brass mounts, protecting the blade when not in use and completing the period look.

Fun fact: The swept hilt design emerged in the 16th century as a response to the evolving fencing techniques that emphasized wrist flexibility and hand protection. The intricate loops of brass not only guard the hand but also add a distinctive silhouette that made rapiers a symbol of status among European nobility.