ICONIC ELIZABETHAN RAPIER (From The Three Musketeers!) | Forged in Fire (Season 1)

The Elizabethan Rapier is known amongst Princess Bride and Three Musketeers fans alike, but will these bladesmiths be able to replicate this weapon? Find out in this clip from Season 1, Episode 6, "The Elizabethan Rapier."

#ForgedInFire

Check out exclusive The HISTORY Channel content:

"Forged in Fire" features world-class bladesmiths competing against each other to create some of history's most iconic edged weapons.

[Durwood]

This has to be one of the most low key _Forged in Fire_ finales I've ever seen. Not even Doug could muster up much enthusiasm.

[ZetsueiTV]

I was always surprised at this episode. Those Rapier seem far thicker that a Rapier should be. Its meant to be a fast stabbing weapon and those are so thick they might as well be normal swords.

[wizi]

Having a rapier win, with no spot for the index finger, which makes it possible to control the point is just basically giving the win to a straight saber more than a early 17th century rapier as it should've been

[rakib]

This is the most depressing forged in fire episode I have ever seen.

[tnltaylor]

This feels so weird to watch, everyone seems so depressed

[charleshawkins]

There are a few more tests that can be used. To determine the better rapier. The simplest test. Was to compare balance and weight. By holding the sword with an extended arm in the lunge posture for one minute. Followed up with a few defensive postures. To try and gauge the handling or quickness of the sword.
The rapiers were also often accompanied with a buckler. Several pointed strikes against a buckler. Gauged the sturdiness of the handle for forward thrust. As well as point strength and durability.
Since the point was the primary killing part of the sword. A good rapier was designed to pierce light metal armor. Such as the cuirass. Stabbing at an old cuirass may have been a common pointed thrust test. In place of the buckler.
Cutting tests were usually done with large diameter sailing rope. Because these swords had to be able to cut down the sails of enemy ships. The length of the blade or reach. Was to aid in fighting on stairs or across ship battlements. Which may have had steel cage work or sailing nets as a defense.

[beatrixdobson]

Aw man, after the first test it was obvious which rapier would win.

[Formulka]

Doug seems so depressed because he didn't get to do the keal test.

[rikremmerswaal]

those things have more incommon with sideswords or broadswords than with rapiers.

[uleertel]

Mixing French three musketeers and allegedly "Elysabethan" rapier is a bit strange.

[PsychoSavage]

This show reminds me of deadliest warrior so much, I'm so happy Forged in Fire exist!

[slinger]

"Right into his mouth, right into his brain"... hmm I don't think so

[brianmincher]

These two contestants wake up tired in the morning, and gradually slow down from that pace over the course of the day. If they were any more laid back they’d be upside down.

[JohnathanBach]

Have you ever seen Doug less enthusiatic about a sword?

[SniperAlias]

sometimes, Dave is better at weapons manipulations than Doug

[andrewbartell]

That one deserves a rematch. I feel as the other contestant scored better in the kill test and overall his blade was much more aesthetically appealing!!!

[RoxasXIII]

I mean, is it really a rapier if you don't have the finger index?

[mattbrady]

What did they fill those things with BLUE RAZZ SLUSHY!? No hate but like at first i thought it was kinetic sand.

[vincentkonig]

most underwhelming keal test ever seen. and it was absolutely nessecary to let the european weapon expert do it. me, for my part, would have held the sword at the blade and attacked with the hilt. but im no expert

[sabyasachibandyopadhyay]

Those are not Rapiers. Rapiers have a diamond or hexagonal cross section, extremely thin and pointed at the end. These are just very long knives.