Can a Rapier Defeat Mail Armor? - Let’s Test and Find Out!
A rapier will slip right through riveted mail, right? Well... not so fast.
It depends on the type of mail (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:
Saxony German rapier by LK Chen
Munich Town Guard sword by LK Chen
Tizona - 17th century Spanish cup-hilt rapier by LK Chen
14th century medieval knight’s rondel dagger by Tod Cutler
*** Sources / credits ***
:European_(German_or_Swiss?),_early_16th_century_-_Bishop’s_Mantle_(Cape)
Background music:
“Historic Renaissance music from 1597: If my complaints could passions move” by John Dowland / Of Far Different Nature
CC0 1.0 Universal
Outro:
“Highland Storm“ by The Slanted Room Records
Used with artist’s permission
*** Other armor tests ***
Arms & Armor 12th Century Spear VS. Riveted Mail and Ballistic Gel
“MAIL“ Armor Like You’ve Never Seen Before!
Testing Post-Apocalyptic Gear: Duct Tape Armor!
Medieval Crossbows vs. Breastplate and Lamellar Armor
Could SOCKS and TOWELS Protect You Against BLADES?
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*** Second channel / other social media ***
*** 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
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