Torino Rapier and Main Gauche
Based on models of 17 th century swept-hilt rapiers of Italian ancestry and combining the better features of several pieces, our Torino Rapier (SH2204) with matching main gauche (SH2207) is sure to become the standard by which all others are measured. The blades are made of forged high-carbon steel and are equipped with black leather scabbards. The guard has an ornate design with straight quillons to protect the hand and for wrapping the fingers around to increase functionality and ones grip strength. This rapier and the matching main gauche blade produced from CAS/Hanwei are now interchangeable with the Practical blades (OH2255, OH2256), which are designed for safety in rapier sparring. Also available are antiqued versions of the Torino Rapier (SH2204N) with matching main gauche, and now left-handed polished(SH2204L) versions.
All of our rapiers have stainless steel hilts, for reduced maintenance, and high-carbon steel flex-tempered blades. Our three swept-hilt styles (Solingen, Torino, Gustav) are available with hilts in both polished and antiqued finishes. The latter finish, developed by Hanwei, has allowed a museum-quality patina to be applied to stainless steel while the non-corroding properties of the steel are retained. This finish is extremely attractive and gives a very authentic appearance to the piece.
The swept-hilt rapiers and their attendant main gauches have now been redesigned to provide lighter, better balanced pieces than earlier models. The hilts are now of the same size as the museum pieces on which they are based, providing an authentic feel in the users hand. All of the rapier and main gauche blades are interchangeable with the Practical blades (OH2255 - rapier, OH2256 - Main Gauche), which are designed for safety in rapier sparring. This gives the user a wide choice of swept hilt styles for use with both live and Practical blades. A replacement live blade is also available (OH2327).
