News/Blog

After a hiatus during January – I have too much to do with sorting out things around all the things I’m going to do to be able to actually get to do them – I’m back to finally getting production of the last prototype up and going. Since I’m applying for grants and similar benefits to have the time to focus on my projects, the first step is to make good plans to show in that context:

(Yes, it’s blurred because this isn’t final as well as that I shouldn’t share very detail of the production openly, if only for my sanity if nothing else.)

I have been able to simplify the design a lot by making some concessions to the, perhaps, least important aspect of a rapier: Holding the rapier in a Thibault-grip will now quite likely be quite uncomfortable.

But this remains to be seen as I make the next prototype, which will happen in the coming weeks. In any case - this is a foam sword, and working from that and rather than overvaluing realism was necessary to reduce parts and breaking points. Though less intricate, the design is still modular and every part apart from the composite core will be replaceable - and I’ve made the core quite difficult to damage. I have some thought on increased safety with the blade with how I’ve redesigned it, but more on that when I have it in my hand to try it out with; onwards to more stress tests!

A lot of credit goes to my friend Amélie who has critiqued my original design and coached me through the re-design process. She’s taught me a lot about industrial design!

The next prototype will be 3D-printed once and tested before casting the next ones. The latter will be sent out to people who are interested in testing them. Until next time!