If you are looking for a weapon to get into rapier fencing without breaking the bank, or are looking for a synthetic rapier to do mixed sparring with other synthetics, this rapier will serve your needs well enough. For the most part, it’s durable and stands up well to other synthetic rapiers as well as in mixed weapon sparring against heavier synthetic swords. One thing to keep in mind is the weight. It is lighter than most rapiers of the period that it is trying to replicate. But considering what you’re getting at this price, I think the sword is well worth the purchase. The only real issues I’ve had with this particular sword are the pins that hold the blade in the hilt.
After the first two sparring sessions I had with it, I noticed that the pin on the cross guard had started to come loose and move free of its holding. This was an easy fix. After some light taps with a hammer, the pin was back in place. But it is something to watch out for during use.
