Can a Rapier Defeat Maille Armor? - Let's Test and Find Out!

A rapier will slip right through riveted maille, right? Well... not so fast.

It depends on the type of "chainmail" (material, weave pattern, ring thickness & diameter, etc), and on the blade shape. Also... technique. The results I got varied depending on how I delivered the thrust.

In other words: If you don't get enough penetration it might be a skill issue. ;)

The riveted mail coif and reproduction swords / dagger I used for testing:

https://www.kultofathena.com/product/...

Saxony German rapier by LK Chen
https://www.kultofathena.com/product/...

Munich Town Guard sword by LK Chen
https://www.kultofathena.com/product/...

Tizona - 17th century Spanish cup-hilt rapier by LK Chen
https://www.kultofathena.com/product/...

14th century medieval knight's rondel dagger by Tod Cutler
https://www.kultofathena.com/product/...


** Sources / credits **

https://manuscriptminiatures.com/
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collect...
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collect...
https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1916...
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collect...
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi...
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collect...

Background music:
"Historic Renaissance music from 1597: If my complaints could passions move” by John Dowland / Of Far Different Nature
https://opengameart.org/content/histo...
CC0 1.0 Universal

Outro:
"Highland Storm" by The Slanted Room Records
https://theslantedroom.github.io/stev...
Used with artist's permission


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Medieval Crossbows vs. Breastplate and Lamellar Armor
   • Medieval Crossbows vs. Breastplate and Lam...  

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   • Could SOCKS and TOWELS Protect You Against...  


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** Time stamps **

00:00 - 00:49 Quick introduction to mail ("chainmail")
00:49 - 01:14 The setup
01:14 - 02:08 16thC rapier - 1st test
02:08 - 03:10 Town Guard sidesword - 1st test
03:10 - 05:07 17thC Cup-hilt rapier - 1st test
05:07 - 06:28 Rondel dagger
06:28 - 06:57 Sidesword - 2nd attempt
06:57 - 08:13 Rapiers - 2nd attempt
08:13 Historical background / discussion

#skallagrim #history #armor #medieval #knights #renaissance #sword #rapier