The Dioscuri Rapier

∴ A Beguiling Edge ∴

“They can’t live with each other, and they can’t live without each other”, your mother always said, laughing over her lace-edged fan. If only she could see you now, you think bitterly.

Brothers, and twins at that, you’ve always shared your passions. You recall those early years of swordplay in the cobbled yard, star-pierced swords glinting alike in the evening light, laughter giving way to shouts of frustration as every feint was foiled.

But there are certain passions that will not be shared, and when you returned home to rumours of your brother and your betrothed, there was only one honourable path to take.

Before you strap your black-hilted rapier to your side, you brush your lips against the lucky star on its pommel. You know beyond doubt that on the other side of the city, your brother does the same.

∴ Specs ∴

One of our first original designs, this sleek sparring rapier quickly became our standard for a simple trainer that’s a cut above. Named for the twin brothers Castor and Pollux, who became the constellation Gemini, the sword features a scattering of stars in the piercework of its closed port. Along with a ring to the front and barwork to the rear, this offers low-profile protection, while the large pommel creates an agile and comfortable balance.

While we are bespoke makers by nature, taking care to never make the same sword twice, the Dioscuri’s simple elegance has inspired many bespoke variants over time, with our clients customising details such as blade length or quillon style to create a one-of-a-kind piece. Scroll down to see find of our favourites, and perhaps some inspiration for your own.

A similar bespoke rapier would start at £800 plus postage.

• Weight: 1kg
• Total length: 121cm
• Blade length: 107cm
• Guard length: 7cm
• Grip and pommel length: 13cm
• Quillon span: 28cm
• Point of Balance: 12.5cm
• Sparring-safe edges, flex and swollen tip

∴ Notes ∴

The hand-forged guard and large spherical pommel are modelled on late 17th Century transitional rapiers, and have been blackened to a matte finish. The oak grip is wrapped in a combination of twisted steel and copper wire. The construction in finished with a rounded nut.

∴ Gallery ∴

∴ Dioscuri Variants ∴

The carriage clatters over cobbled streets, its clangour at odds with your hammering pulse. Drawing a silver watch from your pocket, you mark with distaste the tremor of your hand.

Were this any other duel, the blood would run hot in your veins. You would relish the rush of impending danger, and wear it proudly as you descended the carriage steps.

Tonight, however, is the night you hoped would never come – even as you knew it would. Even as you slipped into the sweet, forbidden embrace of the woman betrothed to your brother. The woman you’d loved since childhood.

As the hoofbeat staccato slows, you lift the black-hilted rapier from the seat beside you and brush the pommel to your lips.

“Forgive me, brother,” you whisper.

∴ The Dioscuri Arcadia ∴

The left-handed Arcadia variant boasts long downturned quillons, an ovoid pommel and a filled port pierced with a pattern of stars and hearts. The grip is wrapped with brass and copper braided wires, finished with Turk’s head knots to the top and bottom.

• Weight: 900g
• Total length: 119cm
• Blade length: 107cm
• Blade width at base: 2cm
• Ricasso length: 5.5cm
• Grip length: 7.5cm
• Grip and Pommel: 11.5cm
• Quillon span: 25cm
• Point of Balance: 14cm

  

  

  

  

  

  

∴ The Dioscuri Lumina ∴

This steely variant is a close fit to the original Dioscuri rapier in terms of specs, but the aesthetics have been tweaked to fit our client’s fancy: The hilt and pommel are polished to a satin steel finish, while the grip is covered in twisted brass and steel wire, giving the whole a proud military appearance.

• Weight: 940g
• Total length: 120cm
• Blade length: 42″
• Blade width at base: 2cm
• Ricasso length: 5.5cm
• Grip length: 8.5cm
• Grip and Pommel: 13cm
• Quillon span: 28cm
• Point of Balance: 14cm

∴ The Dioscuri Volta ∴

A bespoke update on the original, this sparring rapier features a blade made from 8mm stock giving a degree of stiffness for verdadera destreza practice, while maintaining a safe flex. It also has a more developed hilt, incorporating a third bar into the counter guard for increased thumb protection.

Aesthetically, it benefits from a pointed arch to the quillon block, and hand-carved detailing to the inner of the quillons. The grip is wrapped in braided copper wire, while the furniture is oil blackened to an antique finish.

• Weight: 1000g
• Total length: 121cm
• Blade length: 42″
• Blade width at base: 2.2cm
• Ricasso length: 5.5cm
• Grip length: 7.5cm
• Grip and Pommel: 11.5cm
• Quillon span: 26cm
• Point of Balance: 16cm

Ready to buy, or to add some custom touches? Get in touch to discuss your ideas.