Can a RAPIER Actually CUT?! The results were SHOCKING!

[@FortuneFavoursTheBold]

Shad, you are bang on when you figured out the reason the cuts on light targets like pool noodles went well is because of the tip speed of a long blade (lots of rapiers can have even 43"-50" blades). One thing the caused this particular rapier to be difficult to control is that almost all Windlass swords (except for the Royal Armouries Collection line) have minimal (therefore incorrect) distal taper. This rapier's blade starts at 4.7mm (you can measure yours) and ends at 3.3mm near the tip. That is very little distal taper and the thickness is completely wrong, which cause the blade to flex in the wrong way, and rotates in a vastly different way than historical rapiers. I have detailed measurements of rapiers made from the 16th century all the way to the 19th century and they all have very strong thickness at the base, at least 7-8mm and tapers down to 3-4mm. The majority of them have 9-11mm at the base, and that's twice the amount of the rapier you have here. Think of the difference in terms of mass distribution here. This style of rapier doesn't have a ton of profile taper like medieval arming swords, so distal taper is everything it needs to make the blade fast and maneuverable. This Windlass model doesn't do the blade right, so it has to increase the hilt weight to balance it out, so even though the point of balance is in the roughly right place, the blade doesn't behave anywhere near the way historical rapiers do. To experience historical accurate rapiers' handling, other than purchasing antiques, the best option is to get the several new rapier models by LK Chen, who has their liaisons measure the dimensions on 16-18th century originals an accurately reproduces them. The difference with Windlass models would be literal Night and Day. In addition, Windlass made their swords with edges 2mm thick, when someone sharpen that thick "edge" from a narrow blade, they naturally create a "lenticular" geometry with very big angles and a shoulder between the primary and secondary bevel. This impedes the cutting performance a lot. Let's not start mentioning the hot spots on the hilt. Odds are stacked against you to performance well with this inadequate model.

[@LurkerDaBerzerker]

Excellent comment Kane, hope you are having a good a one. Been thinkin' about sending them a model for review, either the saxon rapier or the town guard side sword.

[@FortuneFavoursTheBold]

@@LurkerDaBerzerker Those are amazing swords. I am receiving my Saxony rapier soon from a sword friend. We have already analyzed this sword in and out. It's truly the best reproduction rapier currently on the market. If LK Chen can get around to polish the fittings and blue them it would definitely be 10/10.

[@sebastiansilverfox6912]

​@@LurkerDaBerzerkerI think I speak for most viewers when I say, that would be fantastic to see these guys review a top of the line product.

[@tellmeninetails5819]

I would love to see them test a more accurate representation of a rapier.

[@rorydonaldson2794]

What a boody superb comment.

[@SergioLeonardoCornejo]

People tend to underestimate and misunderstand rapiers.

[@Rafaela_S.]

They are still swords, so cuts and thrusts are both an option. But many people just do not believe the cut part.

[@patrickcalip948]

I am one of those people. Or at least I was until I saw a behind the scenes video from jet li's fearless. They interviewed the fencer, and he opened a lot of people's eyes to hema. After that I went on a search and found Shadiversity and Skalagrim.

[@ZeljkoMij-pc4uv]

Yeah, I just don’t understand why, it’s a sword, a sword needs to cut and be sturdie enough to block other swords, I know it’s thin, but it’s not just a one trick horse, especially, if you consider dancing been around for a long f-ing time and is hard to master. So ofcourse the actual war weapon needed to be vercitile to some point and needed tinkering to be „perfected“ and mastered

[@thevictoryoverhimself7298]

Rapiers and Foils are SCARY swords man. Seeing realistic combat with them in things like simulation video games is just terrifying. Both parties are unarmored because fabric armor is pointless against them and manuverability is key, and you're just fighting in a kind of panic state, everything is normal, just deliberately positioning yourself and manipulating the other sword at maximum distance Suddenly in a flash a sword is in your abdomen, with no warning. There is no knight-on-knight style extended battle, its just over in a moment.

[@Zoddlander]

it was very interesting what Tyranth did! the "pull back" in the finale cut sounded like it was a key and it will get people to get into a thrusting maneuver after the cut!

[@Kal_g]

I've always loved the handle/hilt designs on a rapier. It just looks so different.

[@ballistic9644]

you can get slashing swords with rapier guards, i believe they are called writhen hilt swords

[@Leo.23232]

@@ballistic9644 side sword

[@J37T3R]

I've always hated them, but I also come from fencing where stabs to the guard aren't exactly rare. The rapier guard feels like someone could poke my hand through them.

[@sinocelt]

@@J37T3R Past the 1600s, many historical rapiers had plating over the rings.

[@dallesamllhals9161]

Oh, so just like a FISH-fillet knife can't cut "stuff"? ^Sry' I'm from West Jutland...

[@kurtixwarlord3278]

Spanish rapier fencing, the "Destreza" (Dexterity) usses a lot of cuts compared to itallian or french fencing, and its very fun to see people who are not particulary used to that getting to know how much of a real threat it can be.

[@Neomalthusiano]

Their footwork is quite different, is not a matter of trying to cut alone, but setting everything so cutting becomes feasible.

[@kurtixwarlord3278]

@@Neomalthusiano Yeah, i know. Im from Spain and actually practice it, we use footwork and blade binding to control the opponent's, looking for the moment of the "atajo" (literal translation would be "shortcut") to open their defenses and strike from the safety of your own positioning and stance.

[@JeremyCulbreath]

Been fighting with rapiers for almost 2 decades. People vastly underestimate what they can do, especially in the hands of a trained swordsperson. That being said, that particular rapier is honestly a marginal (though functional) example. There are craftspeople who do phenomenal work for surprisingly low cost. I would be happy to loan you a few (if you pay insurance and shipping) or put you in contact with some amazing weaponsmiths that I'm sure would love to be featured in future videos.

[@BrokenorderGames]

I was honestly looking at getting into HEMA, but turns out rapiers are way cooler then I thought. Care to share some of those weaponsmiths?

[@JeremyCulbreath]

@@BrokenorderGames Darkwood Armory, Castille Armory, and Danelli Armouries are my go-to recommendations. Their offerings are slightly different, but you can't go wrong with any of them. And all have great customer service. The first two offer economy models (300ish) and standard order items that are solid and will last a long time. Most people never have any reason to order anything beyond that. But of course, they all do custom orders if you want something beautiful that will still hold up to years of hard combat. If you're willing to pay for it, all 3 can turn out some amazing pieces. But if you want truly mind-blowing work, I can point you toward some artists with a multi-year wait list and 5 digit deposits.

[@TheFencingFox]

​@@BrokenorderGames i highly recommend Castille Armory, I own one of their BYO rapiers and it is supreme,their economy rapier is also the best possible starting rapier (in my humble opinion) i hoope this helps💚

[@uncletiggermclaren7592]

A man could make no fairer and more comradely offer than that. Bonum tibi est, vos.

[@NietzscheanMan]

*swordsman

[@straightjacket308]

The rapier is starting to look like the Chad of the sword world! I think I know what my next purchase is! Tyranth is looking ELEGANT with that demonstration!!!

[@trinketmage8145]

Nah, giant fuck off zweihanders are the chads still. Rapiers are the sigma males that get way more done with less.

[@Tespri]

Both rapier and spear. Due to Hollywood and some other myths the Katanas and long swords in general had good reputation. Truth is... rapiers and spears were the real kings

[@ryomaanime4563]

And rapiers and spears use the same stats : reach and piercing It's just that one is a low cost weapon that need very little knowledge to do and use, and the other is a very complicated sword, both to use and to make, and thus, very expensive Also you can use the spear all day but the rapier will drain your stamina very fast, and the spear can be used in a military formation or with a shield, and can also be thrown... There's clearly a best melee weapon.

[@Treadhead1]

A rapier was the first and so far only blade I got (a gift from my dad, we used to do sparring in the garden). I love that thing. It's interesting to see you guys mention the "pistol grip". As that is the method of holding that I just went with when I started and that felt comfortable and controllable. Makes my amateur little beehind feel kinda clever. Can't wait to see more rapier content.

[@kamchatmonk]

That baffled look that Shad gave the rapier at 8:12 is absolutely priceless, I genuinely laughed out loud)

[@colvyre6622]

yup, Nate's the rogue. He figured out that rapier pretty quickly.

[@ThatCapnGeech]

I’ve always thought that rapiers require a bit of a wrist flick on cuts to really speed up that blade tip through whatever material you’re trying to cut. 7:37

[@ItsYouAreNotYour]

Have you ever taken something sharp and slowly dragged it on your skin? I haven't, but I'd imagine it cuts just fine without needing "extra" speed.

[@re0798]

@@ItsYouAreNotYour I have been pierced by a newly bought scissors used to cut metal sheet, it fell from a table 12 cm down to my hand trying to catch it. So, I agree something that sharp does not need extra speed, but I don't think a rapier is that sharp, especially if it's a robust combat rapier. There's not enough surface area to make an edge sharp enough to pierce that easily on a thicker rapier, maybe if you sharpen only one edge imo.

[@Pidalin]

@@ItsYouAreNotYour You need speed, that's the most important thing when you cut with the sword. You are not cutting something fixed to the wall, you need to cut thru it fast or you will just throw it away when you do it slowly. It's about mass and momentum of cutted object, I don't know how to explain it in english, but it's the same even with guns, when bullet is too slow, it can't go thru armor because armor will start moving and turns part of bullet energy to that move, when bullet is much faster, it can go thru before hitted object starts moving. But gun bullets, pretty much all of them are fast enough, but this is very visible problem when you shoot with bows, modern light arrows penetrates much better than heavy thick traditional arrows. Traditional arrow will kick, but doesn't penetrate. But you need correct balance between these parameters, because to light projectil will lose energy fast with distance. When you shoot (or hit something with a sword) at something which is very heavy or fixed to the ground or wall, speed is not that important becuase that object will not start moving togegher with projectile. When it's something light (like that plastic thing they are cutting), speed matters. When you take super sharp knife and try to just push it to the object, it won't do anything.

[@LairdErnst]

Love seeing you guys nerd out over a new sword! Glad y’all had fun with this one!

[@gattzflappa6306]

I think the people who think a rapier can't cut are confusing it with the Estoc, which looks a bit like a rapier but has no edge, and is strictly a piercing weapon.

[@jegsdinogod5091]

Rapier is a very whip like sword if you think about it, the tip has leverage greater than the hand using it. It's basically RPM in sword form.

[@Merisu_Sheep]

This video is really great for me cause I have one character from my book series that will use this blade. So the better I know about it is awesome.

[@enginear1157]

Same same. Good to know it has more cutting power than I thought

[@michaelfranciotti3900]

I absolutely LOVE this kind of content. The detalied analysis of the techniques you guys experimented with is much appreciated.

[@kevinmorrice]

Rapiers are primarily thrusting weapons, and people often assume that "primarily" means "only" Also, best rapier I've tried was oddly cold steel, the cavalier rapier was built like a tank Edit: a tip control excercise i use is to mark out a 12 inch circle and using the tip, go through and draw each letter of the alphabet with the blade tip motion and try not to leave the circle, its how i was taught blade control and my teacher told me its to learn finer control and better wrist manipulation, alternate lower and upper case, it helps for inexperienced fencers

[@MeanBeanComedy]

Genius! 🧠🧠🧠

[@kevinmorrice]

@@MeanBeanComedy it worked for me, it trains your wrist to get used to minute movements and really helps build up precision, after a while i got good enough to trace the alphabet in a 6 inch circle

[@JFrazer4303]

That's why all their huge 200+ degree swinging cuts don't matter.

[@RokuroCarisu]

Saying that you can't cut with a rapier is like saying that you can't thrust with a katana.

[@kevinmorrice]

@@RokuroCarisu exactly, its an assumption thats somehow being pushed as fact, over the years, ive perfected a few practical cutting techniques that are simple to do, such as my favourite, what i call a faux thrust, you purposefully miss with a thrust then bring the edge of the rapier against the opponent than pull back, its great for arm slashes

[@unarealtaragionevole]

Have you considered a video about explaining the differences between a medieval blacksmith vs a medieval weapon/armor smith? For example, is there a difference? Would a blacksmith dedicated to everyday tools and needs have the time and materials required for weapons and armor? Would a person who needs repairs and services trust a blacksmith to service their weapons and armor? Who do the authorities employ and by what numbers? That sort of thing...

[@Jadguy24]

There is a difference between a ferrier , weaponsmith armorsmith and blacksmith

[@Olav_Hansen]

There probably wasn't always a distinction. In a village the town blacksmith would make everything from horse shoes to daggers to simple swords. During wartime they might be ordered to produce weapons en masse, depending on area and period. Even commoners owned swords, not all would be masterfully crafted. But obviously there would also be smiths that would regularly make fine weapons/armor, thus become more proficient making them, thus receiving more orders from people of renown. Those would probably be found mainly in cities, as a village doesn't need a constant supply of nobility level equipment.

[@unarealtaragionevole]

This topic comes from a chat I had the other day about how an ordinary blacksmith could dedicate enough time and resources to a something like a sword with their other everyday services. In today's world with even the best materials and technology a single sword takes many days to finish. So how could they do it to the scale needed for the armies of the day? Or more important, what quality did they really produce in the time crunch? Unless...it wasn't just them doing it. I know I have run into words like weapon smiths, fletchers, bow makers, armor makers, and blacksmiths. So I know these types of professions were specialized and employed by royalties...but what about smaller towns and villages? Or poor self-producing warriors and fighters....I find it an interesting thing to think about the craft and trade of the day and what they could and couldn't do.

[@robo5013]

I think too many people here are assuming history worked like role playing games. No a village blacksmith wasn't making swords nor did he have the knowledge to do so. Sword or armor smithing was a specialized skill. There weren't village blacksmiths churning out swords. They wouldn't even know how to make horse shoes. Swords were an expensive luxury item. Your typical village farmer probably never even saw a sword in his life. And no not very many common people owned swords either. Even with the proliferation of guns here in America how many of you have actually seen one outside of a police officer carrying one in his holster? Or even own one? Only well to do townsmen or noblemen could afford to own weapons. Even when we are approaching the Late Medieval/Renaissance era not everybody owned a sword and only those wealthy enough to have the time to practice with them would own one. Your bakers, cartwrights, etc wouldn't have owned swords. They wouldn't have had the resources to afford one nor the time to train with them. Don't think that if you were able to travel back in time everyone would be walking around with a sword on their hip. It would be a rare thing to see. So to answer the OP's question, yes there was a difference. Not only would a blacksmith not have the materials required for making weapons or armor, he wouldn't have the specialized tools nor the knowledge to do so. There is a reason there are names for the specialists, such as a farrier. Farriers could make horseshoes and knew how to install them on horses. A village blacksmith could not as he would have no experience doing so. Conversely a blacksmith could make and repair farming tools while a farrier would have no idea how to, it wouldn't be in his skill set. Just like a framer today can build a house but wouldn't know how to make a table or chair (unless that was his hobby) any more than a furniture maker would know how to build a house even though they both work with wood.

[@vicnighthorse]

There are LLM AIs that will answer that question better than anyone but maybe a guy like Peter Johnsson. Shad will do the the same thing to find the answer that an AI will but will read far less and take millions times longer.

[@Chrismosis]

I love rapiers, it's difficult to explain why but it's one of my favourite sword types

[@elmaxidelsur]

Because in a combat whit no armor you will defeat all other one hand weapons.

[@ShikiRen]

I still find it hilarious that in some games, not to name any (*cough*Elden Ring*cough*) the Rapier has a pure thrusting moveset... but then an estoc has a heavy attack that is a cut. Like... what? (I do love me some rapiers and estocs, they're neat.)

[@njalsand133]

The character you play as always comes off as a very unskilled and clumsy fighter in those games.

[@badabomb9946]

​@@njalsand133It's mostly for telegraphing purposes. In a PvP scenario the movements need to be quite exaggerated so the player can see what their opponent is about to do and have a fair window of opportunity to react to it. Trying to read an opponent's moves would be extremely difficult if the animations were modeled after the movements of a real and experienced fighter.

[@njalsand133]

@@badabomb9946 sure, but it is also fitting seeing how the main character starts at rock bottom.

[@nooneyouknow13]

@@badabomb9946 Never played anything in Namco's Soulsword series?

[@mkv2718]

Souls games have notoriously goofy and over exaggerated movesets. With my disagreements of Shad’s criticism of ER, he IS spot on about the move sets. The Zweihander especially has been done dirty by dark souls… Mortal Shell actually gets a bit better, tho still a bit on the slow side

[@sionfiction9566]

Great, Great, Great! More, More, More! It's great to see you play off each other, learning about a sword you're not that familiar with.

[@shadowrodney]

Damn this is eye opening, I've only seen some rapier action in games and the blades already usually look more round in those.. to think a Rapier can cut like this is a revelation. Thanks for testing this out Shad, it opens up a new weapon I'd like to use for characters.

[@Tryk0n3x]

I love that you got help for your channel. The quality of the videos came up with multiple points of reference. Comedy value came up with the way you guys interact. Out of the bad situation that is health issues, came out an amazing outcome. Every sword test I am waiting for Tyranth and his side cut. He seems to have the best edge alignment out of you

[@Al_the_Phantom]

I've always loved the Shadiversity Videos because they offer real life tests and a funny dynamic to the video that makes it amazing. Much better than most Channels I've seen.

[@thevictoryoverhimself7298]

Rapiers and Foils are SCARY swords man. Seeing realistic combat with them in things like simulation video games is just terrifying. Both parties are unarmored because fabric armor is pointless against them and manuverability is key, and you're just fighting in a kind of panic state, everything is normal, just deliberately positioning yourself and manipulating the other sword at maximum distance Suddenly in a flash a sword is in your abdomen, with no warning. There is no knight-on-knight style extended battle, its just over in a moment.

[@mansfieldtime]

So rapiers the misconceptions I heard were "They struggle with deep cuts but can often reach nick the bone." But the biggest misconceptions was, "You have near perfect tip control." Like Zorro, dueling then stripping Elena with his rapier.

[@joyeuse8524]

Well... maybe someone who spent decades training in the rapier did indeed achieve near perfect tip control... maaaybe

[@fistsofsnake5475]

Didn't he use a spade rather than a rapier. Don't remember in that actual movie but in general i asociate Zorro with a spade

[@Vemza]

@@fistsofsnake5475 So Zoro hit Elena with garden spade and then strip her naked while she was out? I dont think we watched the same movie... Yes, this is a joke.

[@mansfieldtime]

@@fistsofsnake5475 I don't know what a Spade" sword is. Google didn't help much.

[@joyeuse8524]

@@mansfieldtime Maybe he's refering to a Cavalry Saber? it's close enough to a rapier... and he might not be a native speaker so the sword was called something else in his language? Though honestly as far as I remember, even in the old, black and white Zorro it has been a Rapier

[@Olav_Hansen]

With a rapier you can get a lot of tip speed, meaning it'll easily 'bite', but as it's best for a wrist flick (not much weight behind it) on top of being light by itself it would quickly lose energy. Therefore I think that it'd be pretty unlikely to cut through limbs. But a better question is does it need to? With a quick flip it could cut through to the bone, at which point the arm is essentially out of use. And you can do this swiftly from relative safety compared to other swords.

[@mandowarrior123]

True, but there are downsides. Rapiers are rough on your wrist and a counter at the wrong point could damage your wrist. They're heavy and unforgiving. Offensively i think they are relatively weak but with a strong defence. I'd have to be convinced they are superior to a staffsword or spear. Sword vs sword explicitly it puts you so far from your opponent though its hard to argue with.

[@UKCrazy007]

After many many hours of Baldur's Gate III the rapier has become my go to sword in that game and after much research it may be my favorite sword now, previously it was the falchion or machete just for how practical and pragmatic they are, but now I understand why rapiers are so sweet.

[@tippydippy6529]

Ive turned this on to listen to as I work on my chemistry and calculus assignments. Even through the difficulties of learning the material from these classes, you all talking together about something I truly enjoy listening to helps to soothe my mind. Thank you Team Shadiversity, Ive loved watching all your videos!

[@tarkxien.440]

Thank you guys for doing this! I'm writing a fantasy novel and one of the races in my book mainly use swords. I used rapiers for inspiration for their swords description, because I love the elegant look rapiers have, and was feeling guilty that they were swiping a lot. Now I'm going to go back and change my sword fight scenes to include everything you've learned in this video. I'm really looking forward to your misconception video now!

[@atk9989]

A thing to keep in mind and maybe research more on is that as far as I have heard rapiers kill extremely slow. Iv heard from other sword channels about historical records of people dying days after being run through in duels using rapiers. Sometimes both people dying up to like 10 days later.

[@TenkawaBC]

​@@atk9989 If you use a rapier as a thrusting weapon, then it can leave a very narrow wound, which can be sewn shut. But if you nick an intestine, stomach, or many of the internal organs, it can lead to eventual death if untreated (assuming treatment was even an option at that time). When used as a cutting weapon, you can do percussive cuts (straight power) or draw/push cuts (drawing/pushing the blade after/during impact), to make nasty cuts. Now compare say an arming sword, with a wider cut, it is more likely to deal deadly damage if it does thrust due to hitting more. I will say straight up that point and blade control on a rapier is definitely a learned skill (I studied rapier for many years), and rapiers can be controlled very precisely when trained. So yes, you could get someone in the stomach with a rapier, and they die several days later. With modern medicine, no, but with medieval medicine, oh yeah.

[@OffToBattle]

Between this and your later video which I ended up watching to completion first, I hugely appreciate your taking the time and opening the proverbial horse's mouth and giving us a real look at this sword. It's so useful to know about, for instance, the blade's thickness, because the first thing people think (and spread) is that the blade is thin. Narrow and thin aren't the same thing obviously. Now I see how the rapier fits in the evolution of thrusting swords... though it's nice to be able to cut in a pinch too!

[@shawnlopez2317]

It's like working with a whip versus a blade, where all the energy goes to the very tip!

[@travishancock9120]

Yay! It is about time you reviewed the rapier properly. In my mind it is kind of the opposite of the katana, but I am interested in having my opinion altered by further information. Maybe I'm right, maybe I'm wrong, but for sure I'm excited.

[@Grace_Reads]

You should find a fencer to demo fencing moves in a test for the rapier--they'd probably have good tip/blade control because the weapons are based on rapiers (you'd probably want a sabre fencer because they include cutting motions in their techniques).

[@jarrodbright5231]

I used to fence sabre and I couldn't agree more. It was funny seeing them figure out how to do a circle cut. I'd volunteer but I'm on the other side of the country, though I'm pretty sure he can get in contact with a local club from through Fencing Federation Australia. I'm sure someone would volunteer if they're anything like us.

[@Grace_Reads]

@@jarrodbright5231 , I would too, but I live in the US, soooooo

[@DamianTheAlien]

Shad really needs to talk to the Prima Spada renaissance fencing group the next time he is at the Abbey Mediaevel Fair.

[@nitev4407]

This is why I studied fencing (specifically Saber Fencing)... Sabers (rapiers that are good cutters) are awesome and make me feel like I'm Count Dooku 😁😁😁

[@belacilaandmaja2510]

I trained as a modern competition fencer and I was taught to use my fingers like casting a fishing rod. You can open your middle, ring and little finger slightly and make a circular motion with the blade using only your little finger. As you strike close your fingers at the last moment for even greater tip acceleration. This will enhance your cutting ability

[@shawn6860]

I see another re-hilting video. And yes that blade looks solid and it cuts well with the right technique.

[@123kidxpac123pac]

Tyranth is so excitable and cute when he figures it out. Excited to see how far they can push this

[@nitev4407]

14:18 Surprise Doggo Camio!!! I want to see Shad sitting on a throne, with his dog on his lap, while giving a lecture on medieval hunting dogs.

[@irontuzi3453]

I just hope they secure the dog while cutting. Dogs can be surprising ignorant of dangerous situations.

[@dadragonslayer7665]

Hi Shad, so i am trainig rapier myself and wanted to contribute a bit of what know to this. So to clarify, i train by the art of dueling writen by farbis. In there he states, that there are three types of cuts, wich you can perform with the rapier; the shoulder cut, the elbow cut and the wrist cut. So the wrist cut is the fastst of the three, but the one with the least amount of cuttung ability. And what i have noticed, is that you shad did the by the book wrist cut and Tyrinth (please dont be mad, if i didnt write your name correctly, as i am not sure how it is written) did the elbow cut. That one is the second fastest and adds more power to the cut. However, i am not aware that fabris mentioned that one should use the tip of the balde. Then again, my version of the book is german and apperently we did not reprinted this thing since 1619. What i mean by that, is that my version of the book is written in the same way the german used to speak at that time and in the alphabet they used at that time. Because my nativ language isnt complicated enough already... So if anyone else has the art of dueling by fabris, please let me know, if it says anything about that in your nativ laguage. But what i can say is, that fabris does point out, that it is more important to master the thrust then the cut. So i think, that the didnt cut with it very often. Anyways, thats it from me. Hope you will find this helpfull!

[@Kraleck]

There's definitely a sweet spot of where you need to be and how you need to move to slash a target. Keen spatial awareness and fluidity of angular motion makes the rapier proper deadly, but you'll miss if you're slightly too far away, your slash becomes a blunted strike if you're slightly too close, and bringing the blade down at a bad angle will cause similar problems even if your distance is on point.

[@Roalfa28]

And that, my friends, confirms that rapiers attack using DEX, not STR. Thanks for this awesome videos, guys! I love this sword testing videos!

[@MCSPARTAN501]

Still has a significant STR requirement to wield though. It's an interesting weapon.

[@franohmsford7548]

@@MCSPARTAN501 In D&D terms average human strength is in the 9-12 range just like average human dex. D&D doesn't require you to have a 16 str to wield a sword - 16 str does give you bonuses. Ditto for Dex - A Dex wielder would have at least a 16 Dex to bother being a Dex wielder in the first place no matter what the weapon. We're talking about exceptional stats here not basic requirements to swing a sword. 9 Str, 16 Dex you're probably not going to be going around wielding a Maul. 9 Dex, 16 Str you're likely not using a Rapier as your main weapon.....Heck chances are you're a Pikeman :)

[@franohmsford7548]

@@MCSPARTAN501 In D&D terms average human strength is in the 9-12 range just like average human dex. D&D doesn't require you to have a 16 str to wield a sword - 16 str does give you bonuses. Ditto for Dex - A Dex wielder would have at least a 16 Dex to bother being a Dex wielder in the first place no matter what the weapon. We're talking about exceptional stats here not basic requirements to swing a sword. 9 Str, 16 Dex you're probably not going to be going around wielding a Maul. 9 Dex, 16 Str you're likely not using a Rapier as your main weapon.....Heck chances are you're a Pikeman :)

[@MCSPARTAN501]

@@franohmsford7548 What I'm saying is that even though the rapier is a dex weapon, it should be impossible to use if your str is below a certain amount. Having more dex would make the rapier more useful, having more str would not, but the rapier should still be unusable if your str is less than, say, 10.

[@franohmsford7548]

@@MCSPARTAN501 Caveat: I'm using 2nd Ed Rules... 10 Str allows you to walk at a normal pace carrying 40 lbs on your back, lift 115 lbs over your head, Open Doors on a 1-6 on a D20 and even have a 2% chance to bend bars/lift gates. It's also an above average strength score for an adult human....the average being 9. - To not be able to wield a weapon designed for one hand you're literally talking about a strength of 7 or lower. 7 gives you a -1 to attack, you can only carry up to 20 lbs whilst walking at a normal pace with a 55 lb maximum to lift over your head which I would say is still pretty high for someone who gets a strength penalty to stabbing someone with a dagger! You also still have a 1 in 5 chance {1-4 on a D20} to open doors by shoulder-barging them but let's assume we're not talking about very sturdy doors here. - Very few PCs will have a strength of less than 8 and if they do the player is likely more than willing to play the character as being specifically "weak" so your issue with D&D is a non-issue. Player Characters with low ability scores DO get penalties.....-1 to hit for str 6-7, -2 to hit AND -1 to damage for str 4-5 {tbf those penalties should probably be the other way round}. It doesn't matter what the weapon is they're using; although I'd expect most DMs would not allow a str 4 character to go around wielding a halberd, greatsword or longbow. - You simply don't understand the way the D&D stats are scaled and think average means weak when it doesn't. Players get bonuses for high stats and penalties for low stats - If your stats are in the middle you get neither bonus nor penalty because you are average.

[@animachainzvideoz5921]

I really enjoyed this video, I would love to see more with the rapier. Perhaps a new sword of higher quality or you could change the hilt of that sword like you do to improve the grip. The handle of that rapier is just abysmal.

[@General_Kenobi_212]

Loved the video guys, great job 👍

[@Borescoped]

Need to get Tyranth to build a Shishkebab from Fallout 4. Katana + flame jets!

[@Daniel_Rood]

Rapiers are one of my favorite swords! Because I like my swords like I like my women... Slim, sexy and dangerous!

[@tunnelcat4592]

I bought the same sword about a year ago and mine seems to be much higher quality than the one you guys got. The welds on the guard and the handle fit up look horrible compared to mine. Windlass is just hit or miss like that sometimes. Still a pretty solid sword for the price though!

[@VladGenX]

Used in duels, you want the tip to do all the cutting. In larger swings, the entire blade can cut...but in smaller circles, the tip gets the most momentum...this is the design of the blade. It can be used in a versatile manner, larger swings or smaller circles. It is a finesse weapon designed for versatility. And that's why I love the rapier❤😊

[@nodot17]

Who knew the marth tipper mechanic was realistic

[@paulkeller8777]

You guys are awesome. Loved the channel and learned a bunch over the years about different blades and edged weapons. I make my own functional knives and short swords from carbon steels, and I've found that short swords out to about 22-24" are really optimized for being a great handling sidearm that are also much longer than a short knife for more reach in combat, yet are short enough to carry around all day for portability. Your analysis of many blades has guided my design and carry choices for the short swords that I do carry from time to time (my jurisdiction allows this as well as firearms, etc.). A great shout out to your channel and content!

[@RagingDrew]

I've always been fascinated with rapiers. First cheapo stainless steel I got was of a rapier and it was just fun to mess around with.

[@blackbirdrc8348]

It’s crazy once you understand the thought behind this sword. A dueling sword. Designed to do the most amount of damage for the least effort. Brilliant!

[@Awesomeflame16]

Will you guys ever do a video on hook swords, I believe you'd find them quite interesting

[@rasendestroyer2701]

those chinese ones with these amazing hilts that Jet uses in Avatar? dang, I'd love for them to make a video about those swords I absolutely love them! Don't know their proper name tho and do wonder if there could be a thorn behind the hook, similair to a halberds poking end so it can not only hook but also poke but it would make them unable to fling themselves like a whip

[@riforgiate74]

Stick em with the pointy end.

[@VidelxSpopovich]

Tyranth is honestly an inspiration

[@mr.tweaty]

7:52 that REALLY felt like it shouldn't have cut, almost seemed surreal edit: 8:57 now THAT is just bull, the noodle looks like it just popped

[@nehmistefanini9482]

Hey Shad love your work and I really enjoy all these videos about specific weapons. I have been looking to buy a nice "longsword" for myself for quite some time now and was wondering if you had any recommendations? I already own a sword but it's not the best quality. Thank you for your dedication to teach us all about medieval stuff!

[@diononeofyourbusiness8634]

People think of the rapier as the sleek and elegant weapon of a refined time, when in reality it is a brutally savage instrument of gore and murder.

[@markfergerson2145]

I think the term Shad was looking for was “Appleseed” with regard to the blade cross section. Is that the reason for the tearing and curvature seen in most of the cuts? Is the shape of the blade itself defeating your edge alignment? If it is, does it really matter at the end of the day whether you inflict a clean cut or a ragged cut?

[@AuburnElvis]

I'd like to pretend this is an actual conversation going on in the renaissance between three guys who probably had a little too much to drink, and are explaining weapon construction to a tree in the woods.

[@JayTeeGR]

Rapier/Katana hybrid, when?👹

[@ChristophelusPulps]

Backsword has entered the chat.

[@christianguest63]

A fancy hilt would be nice but I'm also curious on a cup hilt with cross guard like some fencing swords

[@TheSilverShadow17]

Rapana/Katier?

[@V3RTIGO222]

I remember debating with a fellow about different weapons who dismissed the importance of speed and evasiveness in a weapon and combat style... I brought up rapiers/sabres as the end form of swords for dueling, and I'm glad you guys had a chance to at least in part show how using overwhelming force is not an effective strategy for most situations.

[@Tito_Viera]

Credits to who deserves the credits. All of you guys are the first group of Australians who is a pleasure to me ears because I can understand easy and still in australian accent. Thanks pals for all your work!!

[@holymystic4490]

Love the info, love the rapier, fun way to learn.

[@AmericanImperium1776]

Damn. That’s one nice looking sword. 👍

[@wattlebough]

Look up the Saxony German Rapier by LK Chen. Expect to pay $1080AUD including cost of delivery from China, but it’s been getting very positive reviews for its finish and is razor sharp out of the box. Time from purchase to delivery is about 6 - 8 weeks.

[@AmericanImperium1776]

@@wattlebough Okay thanks. 👍

[@jlogan2228]

Anything sharp can cut and theres entire startegies involving using the rapier to make cuts to the throat, the wrist and hands, etc. even with a less than sharp blade theres ideas that you can use the dings and knicks caused during the fight to at least draw some blood

[@gabrielespindola4461]

People think rapiers are designed only for trusting, like a smalsword, but they were made for fighting other people when you both are unarmored, like a duel or being mugged on an alleyway. Some quick cuts to the face may not kill but will ruin their day and take a lot less commitment than a trust

[@vicnighthorse]

How many times have you defended yourself against a mugger in an alleyway with a rapier? It must have been quite a few to posit with such assurance!

[@datuputi777]

😅 oh god no this weapon in its history had seen battle it's a sword developed at the age of pike and shot era. It's very long very pointy and the one handed grip is deliberate to maximize the wielders range of thrust you could almost see it as a backup weapon of those who rely on pikes when pikes fail or they fail to take shelter from it.

[@gabrielespindola4461]

@@vicnighthorse you should take a look at the storical context around the creation of the rapier and its fall out of fashion. They were not battlefield weapons and in a self defence scenario you want to stack the fight in your favor, so around the 15 century before guns became common place, you would carry the longest, sharpest sword you could that was not to heavy or cumbersome for every day carry because the worst weapon for self defence is the one you left at home when you actually need It. Alsso i dont need to be a pilot to know a 747 was designed to transport people over long distances.

[@alexconn7473]

I feel that rapiers are good at cutting but thrusting is where they excelled in terms of use as considering the straight needle like shape of the blade a thrusting strike was the most deadly move one could do perhaps even run your opponent right through if you really got going

[@datuputi777]

@alexconn7473 Thrusting strike is most deadly in any scenario in any era before blasting people to smithereens. The capacity of rapier to being a good battlefield weapon is without question. Just people are hardwired to cope when something has been debunked. The only things I think that hampered it being the choice for battlefield sidearm is cumbersomeness(its size is uncomfortable), price, and familiarity.

[@johnfarscape]

I went to a private school in England, we had to learn fencing at school, my teacher made us practice cracking a whip, to get the technique to propperly perform a cut with a rapier, he was a really old and scared German guy, who was taught the technique by his father, who learned from his father etc. . He could cut through a tennis ball thrown at him, you cut with the very tip of the rapier, unlike futher down with a longsword.

[@TheRedBaron1917]

Have you ever done a video on German mensur? Cuz i feel like that would really fit well with the overall theme of this channel.

[@Maehedrose]

Speaking of wrist action - I was shocked to discover how easy it was to disarm another fencer if your wrist action is good and they're not strong enough to maintain guarde. Wrist movement is very important when fencing. By the way, you should be using a glove on your fencing hand to avoid that cutting into your fingers because the weight sits right there.

[@jarrodbright5231]

Not sure about the disarms - never seen one outside of a beginner class though it is easy to control an opponent's weapon - but you're right on the wrist movement. That's what held them back with the rapier here.

[@ariaxrose1]

I just bought one of these

[@jarrodbright5231]

As a former sabre fencer I had to say I laughed more than I should seeing you figure out how to do circle-cuts. They really are effortless when you get the hang of them.

[@cstuewe]

Ah yes, the rapier. The sword that begs the question: "Rapier than whom?"

[@thedukeofcats6616]

I love repair I’m starting Spanish repair classes Thursday

[@zensun4487]

Can you give me one of those for Christmas

[@lightningpenguin8937]

That'd be epic

[@TheBloopers30]

Yes

[@Zoddlander]

I loved the look of Raipers since I first Chris O'Donnell wielded one in "The Three Musketeers 1993" after watching the film in the theatre as teen! I still wish I had one! Interesting video guys!

[@sebastiansilverfox6912]

That was a surprisingly entertaining film considering the amount of comedy and the lighthearted take they gave it.

[@scottmaclean1455]

didn't know you guys were in australia thought you were in england, hope your not in new south wales because owning functional edge weapon longer than 450mm is 100% illegal if caught mandatory 2 years in gaol, its sucks our stupid government doesnt trust us with any fun weapons cant even buy gel blaster in this state

[@LucifersTear]

Seeing Shads brain fall out when the Wristy whipping absolutely slays noodles 😎👌😂 Need a Best of the Rapiers video! Fit, finish, finesse, function comparison!

[@bencheevers6693]

Love this video

[@yubear420]

Rapiers has always been my favorite weapon in any RPG

[@MeanBeanComedy]

You guys were geeking out about this one! 😆😆😝

[@andrewleonard8408]

7:49 - Shad - A little wrist flick will NEVER work you utter FOOOOL 7:55 - *EXECUTES WRIST FLICK AND DESTROYS POOL NOODLE* - Shad - 😳

[@AliceLucindaBronte]

I was thinking of buying one of those, so I'm glad you've pointed out how shit the handle construction is! Of course now I have to find an alternative from the limited options in England!

[@foldionepapyrus3441]

Or buy a few files and some threadlocker. Seems like 90% of the work towards to a good rapier is there its more the finishing touches and all in removing excess sharp edges that have been missed. (Though rather alot of money to spend to then do probably a few hours, perhaps a day of fettling (if you are not practiced anyway - I expect I could fix the worst of those problems enough to be satisfactory from the stuff I have on hand a bit faster than that - but I'd not just be using hand files as I have other tools)

[@ivorythebashful]

I remember when I saw Shad’s video from a few years ago about the history of rapiers and I find them cool. Seeing this blade cutting was pretty awesome, such grace and interesting slices!

[@hraefn1821]

Side sword will always be my favorite. Pre-Rapier, on it's way to becoming a rapier, with a narrower better thrusting blade and complex hilt, but still a choppy boy. A cut and thrust blade leaning slowly towards the thrust. They are BEASTS and I am in love with them.

[@Decimator16]

I can see Shad going "Oh shit I may have done Rapiers a bit dirty in Shadow of the Conqueror."

[@derskalde4973]

I think, the "rapier" made only for stabbing was called an estoc?

[@DylanMatthewTurner]

Y'all should check out the "British Royal Horse Guard's 1832 Officer Dress Sword" on Kult of Athena. It's a saber that's the length of a Great Sword which sounds crazy, but in my experience isn't actually unwieldy. Would love to see y'all's thoughts on it

[@GarretGarlinger]

Love the new 2k Camera! Everything looks amazing!

[@markthintie5132]

Tyranth handles the Sword Well :)

[@draven86]

Great video guys. i can't wait to see all the response video's from all the other sword channels

[@marcusc9931]

I mean, we've seen guys at Forged in Fire chopping into meat with a rapier.

[@stoatystoat174]

If rapier is primary a thrusting weapon, the blade would discourage people from grabbing it with a free hand as safely as they could a spear or axe (Unless you are Rob Roy with a unique set of skills vs Mr Orange)

[@undercovers2006]

Haha "My brain is restarting" Shad.exe has encountered an error and will be closed.

[@JustTooDamnHonest]

When Christopher Lee was picked to play Count Dooku is personally went to studied different forms of swordplay and he went with the fencing style of fighting and that is what lead to the creation of Count Dooku's lightsaber design for it was made for a fencer and the sword of choice for that style is the rapier.

[@lathanchurch8352]

I too have the windlass swept hilt rapier, it was actually my first real sword

[@Kankan_Mahadi]

Thank you so much, Shad & gang! I really needed this video!

[@tulsacollins1721]

When he first said there was sharp bits on the welds and y’all showed the picture they do look a little rough. A few minutes with a file would do wonders especially for only 300 bucks.

[@tulsacollins1721]

I had never heard of you guys until shad became a regular on FNT and now I love this show y’all are always doing something really fun!

[@morgangallowglass8668]

Thank you! As someone with a passion for rapiers, this is pure joy. Shame that Wind could not build this on properly.

[@notamouse5630]

The more I think about it, the more I think a rapier is a good weapon for a strong man. An elegant weapon for this former rock climber with huge arms, small hands, and massive joint stability from the waist up.