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? *** Merch *** If you want to join Bonfire to start selling your own merch: *** Support the channel *** Help fund future videos, get bonus content and access to an exclusive Discord server: Other ways to support the channel by shopping through affiliate links: Kult of Athena, my favorite online store for reproductions of historical arms and armor, fantasy swords, etc: Where to get HEMA gear and practice swords: Want to treat your face fluff? I highly recommend the balms and oils from Beard Sorcery: Books about history, martial arts, swords, knives, video/audio equipment, and other stuff I recommend: US - Canada - *** 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