With a barely-concealed tremble in your hand, you lift the letter from your desk. A folded sheet of thick, yellow paper, sealed with an all-too-familiar signet, and wrapped in a black silk ribbon.
Breaking the seal with fumbling fingers, you let the ribbon fall to the floor as you unfold the luxurious parchment. Inside are only four words, but they are enough to fill your mind with fear and thrill and flashing blades:
"We meet at dawn."
The Black Ribbon Suite is a set inspired by simple elegance, with flat ribbon-like barwork, subtle hand-carved elements and the distinctive Balefire blackened finish. Designed to be formidable all-rounders, they speak of duels at dawn and swashbuckling in the streets.
The swords below have already sold. New Black Ribbon swords can be found in our Emporium when available, and are announced on our Facebook and Instagram pages.
They are always sold as seen – if you require customisation, please browse the past swords below for inspiration and contact us to discuss ordering a bespoke weapon.
Total length: 120cm
Blade length: 107cm
Blade width at shoulder: 2.2cm
Blade stock: 6mm
Quillon span: 26cm
Grip length: 8cm
Grip and pommel: 12cm
Point of balance: 15cm
Weight: 970g
Right-handed
This swept-hilt rapier is modelled on later originals, rotating centrally so that the tip moves quickly. A light and versatile weapon, it is ideal for duelling-style single-weapon fighting, rewarding the wielder's speed and mobility.
Total length: 119.5cm
Blade length: 107cm
Blade width at shoulder: 2.2cm
Blade stock: 6mm
Quillon span: 25cm
Grip length: 8cm
Grip and pommel: 12cm
Point of balance: 15cm
Weight: 950g
Right-handed
Based on later-period examples, this shell-guard rapier features a central rotation that allows for rapid tip movement before returning swiftly to the central line. Lightweight and adaptable, it's perfect for point-on actions and central guards.
Total length: 119cm
Blade length: 107cm
Blade width at shoulder: 2.2cm
Blade stock: 6mm
Quillon span: 29cm
Grip length: 8cm
Grip and pommel: 11.5cm
Point of balance: 14.5cm
Weight: 1030g
Right-handed
This rapier is light and responsive, turning well in the hand and returning swiftly to the centre line. With its short grip and long quillons, it dominates the close-measure fight, and suits a variety of fencing styles.
Total length: 120.5cm
Blade length: 107cm
Blade width at shoulder: 2.2cm
Blade stock: 6mm
Quillon span: 25cm
Grip length: 9cm
Grip and pommel: 12.5cm
Point of balance: 15cm
Weight: 980g
Ambidextrous
A light, nimble ambidextrous rapier, ideal for fast-moving rapier styles. The guard features a striking scallop shell plate based on historical originals, paired with a symmetrical X-shaped counter guard.
Total length: 106cm
Blade length: 91.5cm
Blade width at shoulder: 2.7cm
Blade stock: 6mm
Quillon span: 23.5cm
Grip length: 9.5cm
Grip and pommel: 13cm
Grip to guard: 5cm
Point of balance: 13.5cm
Weight: 970g
Right Handed
Fencing safe edges, tip and flex
A simple basket-hilted backsword, based on the Chelmsford swords. Its hollow pommel helps maintain a light weight and good blade presence in cuts and binds, even with its substantial hand protection.
Total length: 106cm
Blade length: 91cm
Blade width at shoulder: 3.7cm
Blade stock: 6mm
Quillon span: 21cm
Grip length: 9.5cm
Grip and pommel: 13.5cm
Grip to guard: 5cm
Point of balance: 12cm
Weight: 1140g
Right Handed
Fencing safe edges, tip and flex
A simple backsword that's light in the hand, with a pivot just forward of centre allowing for tip-on actions while still working beautifully as an all-rounder.
Total length: 94cm
Blade length: 81cm
Blade width at shoulder: 3.4cm
Blade stock: 6mm
Quillon span: 22cm
Grip length: 8.5cm
Grip and pommel: 12cm
Grip to guard: 3cm
Point of balance: 14cm
Weight: 930g
Right Handed
Fencing safe edges, tip and flex
A basic Bolognese style sword that retains blade presence while rotating well and feeling light in the hand. It would work well paired with a dagger or buckler.
Total length: 94cm
Blade length: 80cm
Blade width at shoulder: 4.5cm
Blade width at ricasso: 2.5cm
Blade stock: 6mm
Quillon span: 21cm
Grip length: 9cm
Grip and pommel: 12.5cm
Grip to guard: 3cm
Point of balance: 12cm
Weight: 1000g
Right Handed
Fencing safe edges, tip and flex
An all-round sword with presence, excelling in tip-forward moves. Ideal for close-measure fighting, and would pair well with a buckler.