Buying a rapier

[S.H.A.R.P.]

First of all, this topic may be considered advertising, since I will be linking to products a website offers for sale. However, it is not my intent and I am asking for input, instead of enticing any of you to buy these items. After reading this and you still think this is improper, please report so this topic may be locked.

So, I collect swords occasionally. And I have always wanted a nice rapier to add to my collection. I do not intend to skewer scoundrels with it, but I would like it to be of reasonably good quality so I can swing it around, and perhaps at other inanimate objects without it breaking in two too quickly.

I haven't been able to find any shops in my vicinity, so I have looked overseas for a shop which sells these items. I have found one, which offers a small variety of my interest. But I am not very known with all the qualities involved and what I can do with them.

First of all, they offer one rapier which can be used on-stage, and is quite heavy duty from what I can read. This one you can find here [http://www.weaponmasters.com/shopping/Live-Steel-Rapier-p-16686.html]. I don't like the aesthetics of it though, so I'm looking for either this one [http://www.weaponmasters.com/shopping/Joueur-Rapier-p-17166.html], or this one [http://www.weaponmasters.com/shopping/Racketeur-Rapier-p-16685.html].

My question for you is, have you ever purchased something similar, and if so, what do you think of the quality showed? Do you think it will suit my purposes?

I'll be happy with any kind of input you can offer. Thanks in advance!

Edit: if you know any other good websites which has products I'm looking for, links would be appreciated!

 

[Anachronism]

I can't say I've actually bought any swords, despite having thought about doing so for quite some time; provided you buy them from a reliable place, you should be fine. The website you're looking at seems good to me, and I've been on quite a few sites that sell swords. By the way, I have to say that that Joueur rapier looks gorgeous.

Slightly off-topic, but why a rapier specifically? They're nice to look at, but not particularly practical weapons. I find that they tend to be too long, too heavy, and too cumbersome to be much use. I find that a side sword tends to look very similar and is used in much the same way, but is significantly lighter and easier to use. That's just my opinion, though.

As far as good websites go, this one [http://www.blades-uk.com/] is very good and very reliable. Not sure what shipping to the Netherlands is like, but I'd imagine it's doable. You can get a very nice side sword from there.

Edit: referring to below post.

since you'll (hopefully) never use it for it's intended purpose quality won't matter.
as far as swinging it goes it'll break regardless of how well it's made, rapiers are thrusting weapons not swinging, it just isn't made to do what you want to do with it.

That's one of the reasons I'd recommend a side sword. Slightly smaller than a rapier, but much lighter and easier to use; and they can be used for cutting as well as thrusting.

 

[magicmonkeybars]

since you'll (hopefully) never use it for it's intended purpose quality won't matter.
as far as swinging it goes it'll break regardless of how well it's made, rapiers are thrusting weapons not swinging, it just isn't made to do what you want to do with it.

 

[S.H.A.R.P.]

*snip*

It's indeed beautiful isn't it. And that's mostly why I'd like one. I have a few swords, e.g. a katana and a taiji sword, and a rapier would just add to the elegance of my collection. It's not practicality I'm looking for, but looks (yeah, I am shallow like hat). I don't use the swords I have in combat or anything, but I do occasionally swing them mid air, it's a great way to avoid RSI and it looks pretty neat too.

I am well aware that a rapier is not used for swinging. But since I won't be using it in any fights, I suppose I'd like to swing them around a bit. Just a bit of silliness on my side I suppose.

Thanks for the website too, I'll take a look and see if I'll find anything. Shipment costs are really a bugger anyway, about the same price as the actual sword itself, so that doesn't bother me as much.

since you'll (hopefully) never use it for it's intended purpose quality won't matter.
as far as swinging it goes it'll break regardless of how well it's made, rapiers are thrusting weapons not swinging, it just isn't made to do what you want to do with it.

Yeah I know they are supposed to pierce and not slash, but a swinging in mid-air would be suitable to add a bit of *ahem* flair, without actually hitting anything. I most certainly would not swing it at a longsword or anything, such think blades would snap nigh instantly.