Sword Maker Lee Nears Completion of 500th Set of Traditional Rappers

Britain’s last known sword maker is just about to make his 500th set of rappers, bringing a lifetime of craftsmanship to a quiet milestone as he prepares to pass on a rare tradition.

Nearly Five Decades of Handcrafting Rapiers

Lee, a former craft, design and technology teacher, began manufacturing the specialized props out of sheer necessity in 1977. Equipment was difficult to source when he first picked up the trade later in life, but possessing the technical skills to build them himself, he filled the gap.

A Childhood Fascination with Traditional Sword Dances

His connection to the custom goes back much further. First encountering the tradition at age 12, the former dancer recalled being completely drawn to the performance style as a child.

“I was just totally wrapped up in it,” Lee said, describing the traditional sword dances. “It’s fascinating to watch, it’s got an element of conjuring in it, it’s got fast movement, it’s complex, it’s got music involved in it, and it’s got comedy involved in it.”

Watching the Regional Footprint Expand

Since starting production in 1977—initially working sporadically—he has watched the regional footprint of the performance teams expand across the country.

When he started, Lee estimated there were only about 20 teams across the entire country. He now believes the popularity of the tradition is growing, noting that he is on the verge of finishing his 500th set of rappers.

A Craft Looking Toward the Future

“I’m quite surprised it isn’t much better known than it is, but it’s been getting better now over the last few decades,” Lee said, reflecting on a tradition that began for him nearly five decades ago.