So, now you've got your green cord and you're getting tired of wrestling for the loaner rapiers: it's time to think about getting your own sword. The Academie Duello store has a variety of entry-level rapiers, falling into two categories.The CAS Hanwei practical rapier is available in two lengths, 37" blade or 43". This is the same rapier that we use for most of our school swords, and is an affordable beginner's weapon at only $169 (either length).

If you want something a bit fancier, CAS Hanwei also puts out five other beginner rapiers. All of these share the same blade, which is 36" long and a fair bit lighter than that of the practical rapier. It also comes with a fair bit of a point, so it needs to be clipped and filed down before it can be used. For $239 you can get the torino, solingen, gustav, or wood-grip rapier; antiqued versions of the first three, as well as a bone-handled rapier, are available for $269.

If you're looking for an upgrade, or if you want to get a top-end rapier right away, we also have a selection of swords made by an Italian company called Del Tin. All of Del Tin's swords are based on specific museum pieces, and handle amazingly. In addition to the full rapiers, which start at $600, we also carry blades between 40 and 43 inches starting at $250 if you want to upgrade the blade on an existing sword.

As always, you can talk to the front desk staff or your instructor if you have any questions about swords or equipment.

See you in the store!

Devon Boorman is the Co-Founder and Director of Academie Duello Centre for Swordplay, which has been active in Vancouver, Canada since 2004. Devon’s expertise centres on the Italian swordplay tradition including the arts of the Renaissance Italian rapier, sidesword, and longsword, as well as knife and unarmed techniques.
Read more from Devon Boorman.