How to Secure an SCA Rapier Tip

SCA, the Society of Creative Anachronism is an organization dedicated to the recreation of European history during the 17th century. As a part of its recreation activities, the SCA has developed a highly detailed method of training and competing in the use of the rapier, a weapon common to the era. In both the training and competition, the SCA maintains a safety-first attitude that requires that all rapiers be blunted with a safety tip. This allows for the enjoyment of swordplay without the dangers such weaponry usually entails.

Things You'll Need

  • Commercial fencing tip
  • Duct tape
  • Metal file
  • Welder
  • Metal washer
  • 4-oz. leather strips
  • Rubber archery bird blunt
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Instructions

    • 1

      Tape a commercial fencing tip securely onto the point of a light rapier using a brightly colored tape contrasting with both the fencing tip as well as the blade. Wrap the tape around the blade starting one inch beneath the tip and extending up the tip's body, leaving the striking point of the tip uncovered by tape to allow for inspection of the point for wear. The contrasting tape makes it immediately obvious if the tip breaks. Light rapier blades include foils, epees and double-wide epees.

    • 2

      File down the points of heavy rapier blades, such as oval and diamond cross-section Schlager blades, with a metal file to create a flat or rounded tip with no sharp edges.

    • 3

      Weld a metal washer onto the tip of heavy rapiers to spread the impact of the rapier. Alternately, secure a covering of leather around the tip consisting of three layers of four-ounce leather. Wrap this around the tip to create a surface area greater than of the tip of the weapon.

    • 4

      Cover the leather or washer on the tip of the heavy rapier with an archery bird blunt 1/2-inch or more in diameter. The washer or leather keeps the tip of the rapier from cutting through the bird blunt. Tape the tip in place using the same taping method used on light rapiers.