The Gustav Rapier replicates a weapon used by King Gustav Adolf II, who ruled Sweden in the early part of the 17th century. The shell guard of the rapier is unusual but effective. Hanwei's rapier features classical lines, with a high-carbon steel flex-tempered blade, a stainless steel hilt (for reduced maintenance) with "blade catcher" quillons and a twisted-wire grip. The hilt is of the same size as the original, providing an authentic “feel” in the user’s hand and weight and balance also match originals. The blade is interchangeable with our “Practical” blade (OH2255) which is designed for safety in rapier sparring.