Medieval Weapons - The Passion of Swords

Not all swords are made the same or look the same. Under the term sword you will find that there are many different sub-categories, one of them being swords known as rapier. A rapier sword is very distinct because it has a very long, thin blade and an ornate and highly decorative hilt. The hilt is usually a complex design and is eye-catching, but it does have an important purpose and that is to protect the hand of the sword holder.

A rapier sword is one of the more modern types, only having its origins in the 16th century. Today it still has many of its original purposes. For one it is often a piece that is displayed for all to see in a central place of the home or workplace. A rapier makes an excellent piece for any collection because it does have a different look and a very ornate appearance. The extremely elaborate hilt is sure to stand out in any collection.

Of course a rapier sword is also useful as a thrusting weapon. This is especially important in certain sport arts that are still practiced today and the most popular and well known is fencing. Many fencing enthusiasts have not only their standard competition weapons, but also practice with a rapier. This sword is perfect for this because it has the right shape, is lightweight, not too long and is easy to use with just one hand. This allows the holder to maintain speed and flexibility that is essential for sports and training.

There are also many gatherings and clubs where medieval enthusiasts meet and reenact the old times. A rapier sword makes a great weapon to take to such meetings, because it is interesting and still looks like the originals from centuries ago. If the rapier is made of high carbon steel it can also be used to have a duel with another sword of the same type.

Role playing fans that love to dress up as pirates will also find that a rapier sword is the perfect choice of a weapon. It is what real pirates used to have with them and its elegant and decorative look completes the picture.

There is a theory that says that the essence of rapier fencing is defined by the following statement:

The shortest distance between two points is not the curve line of a cut but the straight line of a thrust.

First let me start by saying that rapiers were invented for unarmored combat. They would have been useless in a fight between armored warriors. That being said, rapiers still changed the rules of the games because of the way they were built. People fighting against a rapier for the first time could be surprised the quickness and the reach of this type of sword. For those not used to this type of combat it was like going to the grave. Especially when fighting against a fencing expert.

In the hand of an expert, the rapier rapidly became unpredictable, swift and most of all very easy to underestimate by any unexperienced adversary. Fighters using slower and less agile cutting swords could easily get hit with a well-timed and well-placed thrust from a faster and longer-reaching rapier.

In the end, the rapier was a civilian sword carried as a personal weapon. Most used them to settle private querrels but they were not carried to go to war. In conclusion we could clearly say that this sword was developed for the needs of back-alley encounters and sudden assaults. It is the first civilian weapon designed for urban defence. It later became a “gentleman’s art.”