This elegant rapier is striking as much for its visual simplicity and austere angles as for its subtle details, such as carvings to the centre of the quillons and the distinctive yin and yang piercework to the port.
Neutral in the hand, it offers great versatility in styles while retaining a strong presence. Created with later rapier fencing styles in mind, its design and handling refer to a variety of originals handled in the Royal Armouries in Leeds and at the Grand Master's Palace in Malta.
The sword's hollow pommel keeps the balance central, allowing for swift rotations, while the closed port offers an extra degree of hand protection from thrusts.
The sword's name is the Chinese name given to the symbol we associate with Yin and Yang, referring to the stylised piercings on the closed port. Literally meaning "diagram of the supreme ultimate", the tajitu represents balance between contrasting forces, which is something we hope this centrally balanced sword will offer its wielder!
Please see our pricing structure for an idea of what a similar sword would cost.
∴ Specs ∴
Total length: 121cm
Blade length: 107cm
Blade width at base: 2.2cm
Blade stock: 6mm
Grip length: 8cm
Grip and pommel: 13.5cm
Grip to guard: 6cm
Quillon span: 26.5cm
Weight: 1060g
Point of Balance: 14.5cm
Ambidextrous
Blunt edges
Rounded tip
Fencing flex
∴ Notes ∴
The hand-forged and heat-treated guard and pommel are blackened to a matte finish. The guard is formed of square-section bars with flaring terminals. The front of the guard features two protective rings, the lower of which is a closed port with a pierced "yin and yang" motif. The ambidextrous rear guard features three centrally crossed bars. Where the quillons and side rings join the faceted ecusson, the bars feature subtle decorative carvings.
The oak grip is wrapped in twisted steel wire, with Turk's head knots to top and bottom. The faceted scent stopper pommel is finished with a faceted steel nut.
∴ Gallery ∴
∴ A Balanced Approach ∴
The clashing of steel subsumes thought as you step forward into the fray, each step quick and precise. Your heart races with exhilaration as you fix your eye on your mark. You're fast. Too fast, faster than you’ve ever been before. Your blade misses by a hair, the blade's momentum throwing you off balance.
Instinct pulls you back, narrowly escaping your opponent's riposte. Snarling your grip the sword tighter, feeling its familiar weight. As you draw it up into a high guard, your narrowed eyes catch the symbol cut into the port.
The tajitu.
Time slows. You hear your master’s voice again. "You must find balance in all things. Speed without control is chaos. Force without precision is wasted."
You still your breath, letting the sword guide you. Balance in all things, you think, feeling the weapon's weighting, centered yet willing. You adjust your stance, shifting the weight between your feet, loosening your grip slightly. Without the rush of blood, rhythm returns, slow but deliberate, a harmony of give and take. You parry the next strike with ease, feeling the sword's balance flow through you.