The economy hilt is our answer to those who are starting out and want a well-built practice sword to fence with, while they determine what style they want to do and what sword they really want. We don’t spend time finishing these hilts like we do the more historically accurate ones; they are rough and unevenly colored, but feel free to put in your own elbow grease – they shine up as well as anything else we make, as they are of the same high-quality steel.
We have 4 versions of the rapier, all mounting a 42″ Darkwood practice rapier blade by default (that means 40″ of blade in front of the hilt).We have a Pappenheimer (with one pierced lobe on either side), a Shell hilt, and a Dish (Cup) hilt; for those who don’t want to get too reliant on a closed front hilt, we also have a Ring hilt. There are no options to change piercework styles or quillions on these hilts.
If you order a Special Handle, please tell me in the NOTES which handle you like best!
Tabitha Taraya –
Super happy with my rapier! It looks, feels and handles great! Have had it for almost a month now and only downside so far is that I really want a matching dagger for my offhand
Shawn W –
This rapier is great! It is my first one, but it feels good in the hand, the 42″ length fits me perfectly, and it looks slick. I got the wood grip and I’m pleased that I can disassemble it if needed so I can modify it in the future. Darkwood had great communication throughout the order/build process, and I received the rapier not long after placing my order.
Edward Escubedo –
This rapier has been a fantastic companion for my fencing the last year. Between the handling, the looks and the resilience of the sword I can’t recommend a Darkwood sword enough. They were very easy to communicate over the process, and delivered the rapier quickly and with care.