Comparison of period and modern rapiers

[LaCroix]

Some guys had the opportunity to get their hands on some period rapiers in the "Hofjagd- und Rüstkammer" in Vienna.
And wrote a paper comparing them to modern replicas used in historic fencing.

A Comparison of Late 16th to Early 17th Century Rapiers with Modern Reproductions
DI (FH) Florian Fortner, Julian Schrattenecker, BSc
Fechtschule Klingenspiel, Vienna
Abstract
This paper presents a comparison of original period rapiers from 1590-1620 with modern reproductions
for historical fencing use. After the definition of relevant parameters follows a description each weapon
with detailed measurements including blade cross section profiles for seven original period rapiers and
five modern rapiers. These measurements clearly show, that on average, historical originals are longer,
heavier and exhibit a stronger ricasso and forte which strongly influences handling and therefore the
possible style of fencing.

paper

[Thanas]

I am a bit disappointed that they did not chose some of the more faithful reproductions. I know Czervenka makes almost complete copies of originals and Del Tin has long and heavy rapiers as well.

Though I would suggest that they visit a specialized museum, like the Klingenmuseum.

[LaCroix]

Not quite sure, but I believe it was part of their intention to show that the more common available (average) weapons do have very little in common with originals.

[Thanas]

But their selections are hardly representative. They'd have to cast a much wider net.

[LaCroix]

But their selections are hardly representative. They'd have to cast a much wider net.

It wasn't quite a planned thing, I heard. They were at the museum, discussing the exponates amongst each other, met a guy from the museum who overheard them, talked to him, got invited to look at them properly, took measurements, etc. Going home, they got the idea to complare them to the replicas they could get their hands on in the club and then they went and wrote a short paper on it to share their findings.

Their usual field of research are old and obscure fencing manuscripts and their transation.