Uploaded March 2025 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
The 17th century Spanish cup-hilt rapier is iconic for its use by musketeers and tops even the extensive hand protection of complex rapier guards with multiple rings. This kind of narrow, needled pointed blade makes for highly effective thrusts with minimal effort, at the expense of cutting power (to say the least).
I've tested this reproduction and am giving you an in-depth look at how well it's made and how it performs in terms of handling and practical functionality.
The original sword at the Metropolitan Museum that I compare it to here:
metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/27446
*** Specifications ***
Blade material: GB 60Si2MnA spring steel (comparable to 5160), heat treated to HRC 52-54
Hilt material: Stainless steel
Hilt assembly: Full tang, peened
Overall length: 119.5 cm (47 in)
Blade length: 101.5 cm (40 in)
Blade width: 0.5 – 2 cm (0.2 – 0.8 in)
Thickness: 6.5 mm (1/4 in) at the top of the cup, tapering to 3 mm at the tip (1/8 in)
Weight: 1.2 kg (2 lbs 10 oz)
Point of balance: ~ 10.5 cm (4-1/8 in) from the crossguard (below the cup) / 5.2 cm (2 in) from the top of the cup
*** Pros / Cons ***
+ Nimble and well-balanced
+ Strong, durable blade
+ Tight fit overall
+ Good representation of historical originals
- Wire wrap loosens up with use
- Ugly pitting on the cup
- Can't cut (to be expected with this blade type)
*** Where to get it ***
kultofathena.com/product/lk-chen-tizona-17th-century-spanish-cup-hilt-rapier/?koa=259 (affiliate link)
lkchensword.com/tizona-spanish-rapier
*** Music credits ***
Historic Renaissance music from 1597: If my complaints could passions move” by John Dowland / Of Far Different Nature
opengameart.org/content/historic-renaissance-music-from-1597-if-my-complaints-could-passions-move-by-john-dowland
CC0 1.0 Universal
*** Support the channel ***
Help fund future videos, get bonus content and access to an exclusive Discord server:
patreon.com/skallagrim
youtube.com/channel/UC3WIohkLkH4GFoMrrWVZZFA/join
You can also help out by shopping through affiliate links:
Kult of Athena, my favorite online store for reproductions of historical arms and armor, fantasy swords, etc:
kultofathena.com/?koa=259
Where to get HEMA gear and practice swords:
woodenswords.com/?Click=1799
GamerSupps powdered energy drinks and other stuff (I particularly like the SUS snack bars):
gamersupps.gg/Skall
I highly recommend the balms and oils from Beard Sorcery:
beardsorcery.com/?ref=0UEFtHWvZEmtD
Books about history, martial arts, swords, knives, video/audio equipment, and other stuff I recommend:
US - amazon.com/shop/skallagrimnilsson
Canada - amzn.to/2HeOCMA
*** Other social media ***
https://bsky.app/profile/skallagrim.bsky.social
facebook.com/SkallagrimYT
instagram.com/skallagrim_yt
The 17th century Spanish cup-hilt rapier is iconic for its use by musketeers and tops even the extensive hand protection of complex rapier guards with multiple rings. This kind of narrow, needled pointed blade makes for highly effective thrusts with minimal effort, at the expense of cutting power (to say the least).
I've tested this reproduction and am giving you an in-depth look at how well it's made and how it performs in terms of handling and practical functionality.
The original sword at the Metropolitan Museum that I compare it to here:
metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/27446
*** Specifications ***
Blade material: GB 60Si2MnA spring steel (comparable to 5160), heat treated to HRC 52-54
Hilt material: Stainless steel
Hilt assembly: Full tang, peened
Overall length: 119.5 cm (47 in)
Blade length: 101.5 cm (40 in)
Blade width: 0.5 – 2 cm (0.2 – 0.8 in)
Thickness: 6.5 mm (1/4 in) at the top of the cup, tapering to 3 mm at the tip (1/8 in)
Weight: 1.2 kg (2 lbs 10 oz)
Point of balance: ~ 10.5 cm (4-1/8 in) from the crossguard (below the cup) / 5.2 cm (2 in) from the top of the cup
*** Pros / Cons ***
+ Nimble and well-balanced
+ Strong, durable blade
+ Tight fit overall
+ Good representation of historical originals
- Wire wrap loosens up with use
- Ugly pitting on the cup
- Can't cut (to be expected with this blade type)
*** Where to get it ***
kultofathena.com/product/lk-chen-tizona-17th-century-spanish-cup-hilt-rapier/?koa=259 (affiliate link)
lkchensword.com/tizona-spanish-rapier
*** Music credits ***
Historic Renaissance music from 1597: If my complaints could passions move” by John Dowland / Of Far Different Nature
opengameart.org/content/historic-renaissance-music-from-1597-if-my-complaints-could-passions-move-by-john-dowland
CC0 1.0 Universal
*** Support the channel ***
Help fund future videos, get bonus content and access to an exclusive Discord server:
patreon.com/skallagrim
youtube.com/channel/UC3WIohkLkH4GFoMrrWVZZFA/join
You can also help out by shopping through affiliate links:
Kult of Athena, my favorite online store for reproductions of historical arms and armor, fantasy swords, etc:
kultofathena.com/?koa=259
Where to get HEMA gear and practice swords:
woodenswords.com/?Click=1799
GamerSupps powdered energy drinks and other stuff (I particularly like the SUS snack bars):
gamersupps.gg/Skall
I highly recommend the balms and oils from Beard Sorcery:
beardsorcery.com/?ref=0UEFtHWvZEmtD
Books about history, martial arts, swords, knives, video/audio equipment, and other stuff I recommend:
US - amazon.com/shop/skallagrimnilsson
Canada - amzn.to/2HeOCMA
*** Other social media ***
https://bsky.app/profile/skallagrim.bsky.social
facebook.com/SkallagrimYT
instagram.com/skallagrim_yt
