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 mediev