Rapier and Dagger fencing from the Swordplay Alliance

[ExtraLuke]

Really like it! :D

[TheFountainGuard]

Funny that nobody has pointed out that one of the duelists is a south paw. Which of course in rapier and parrying knife fencing, means that he is holding his main gauche (French for left handed parrying dagger in this case, just left hand otherwise) in his right hand, amusing to say the least, and must put the right handed fencer at an extreme disadvantage.

[BlueBluszcz]

nothing great, but good.

btw what rapiers are those?

[MrPotatoesLatkie]

The rapiers were made by Eddie Floyd, the fellow in the black shirt acting as the referee. He's the one who yelled "Get 'em, get 'em!"

[spinhook888]

Ooh! Get'im get'im get'im!

XD

[Schivona72]

Couple of things: I don't see alot of capitalization on tempo's given at narrow measure. The dagger seems to be relied upon instead of counterguarding. When setting up you are nearly in close measure if not within. I agree with the comment about the blades, with the doublewides it is a bit different especially when "finding" you opponents sword. Like everyone else reading period texts they are learning, I think its a good demonstration of a few passes.

[vectorb]

what blades are you using? they sound different, higher ringing that my Darkwood, or Zen Warrior blades...

[MrPotatoesLatkie]

The foible is a 35" double-wide epee that's been welded to a length of bar stock. I think the whole blade is 43" in length.

[vectorb]

Ah. We use practice rapiers that are the same weight and length as were used historically. They move entirely different than the double-wide epees, the historic forms make so much sense when you use one I highly recommend getting one!

[MrPotatoesLatkie]

The swords are real rapiers, except for the last 35" of the blade. The weight is about two and a half pounds. Eddie (the fight master in the video)is a sword cutler and made them himself. Also, historical rapier blades ranged from about 35" to well over 40", so there are historical lengths.

[vectorb]

Personally I think that the double-wides epees are still too light. Take a look at Darkwood Armory practical rapier blades, thicker and heaver. Or look at Zen Warrior Armory, their T03 Rapier blade is nice and has better movement characteristics than their double-wide the T02, blade for rapier style combat. Not that there is anything wrong with the ones your using! Just my observations.

[jethrotullfreak]

I've only been fencing for 3 years....so im not the the best one to talk, but the right fencer seemed to not keep his back foot planted. otherwise it looked very beautiful.

[fencerwithaculture]

Ridicolous fencing. No fottwork, no bladework, no "tempo", no measure. Nothing. What a shameful demonstration, with those horrible shortened arms...

[MrPotatoesLatkie]

While there are things to criticize and, improve upon (the footwork is fine, and your nothing comment is untrue), you don't understand our style. Perhaps you could make a trip to visit us for some friendly weekend classes and, fencing?

[vectorb]

Sounds like you are a foil fencer (if that) and have never picked up a rapier before. very very different sports. Im assuming that you dont fence as I dont know of any fencers that are such a-holes like you.

[patman2112]

Makes me want to go fence!

5 STARS