Cunnan - User contributions [en]

Rapier

2006-01-03T04:34:47Z

64.218.163.239:

[[category:weapons]]
A '''rapier''' is a slender, sharply pointed, two-edged [[sword]] with a blade at least 90 [[centimetre]]s in length, often sporting an elaborate [[hilt]] and hand-guard. The SCA uses [[reproduction rapier]]s in "heavy rapier" fencing.

The rapier developed in the second half of the [[16th century]] as a modification of what is now known as the "cut-and-thrust" style [[sword]]. It was slimmer and nimbler than the thrusting [[broadsword]], a feature that enabled it to grow longer, and increased the usefulness of thrusting attacks thanks to its reach.

The rapier became popular in [[Europe]] in the 16th century primarily as a weapon for civilian use. In parallel to the rapier, other weapons were developed for use in war in response to the increasing protection offered by fully articulated plate [[armour]]. These included the [[estoc]] and many speciality [[polearm]]s-- such as the later versions of [[halberd]].

As [[steel-plate]] [[armour]] became obsolete or shrunk in size due to the increasing use of [[firearm]]s in the late 16th century and the beginning of the [[17th century]], the rapier, in various modified forms, gained usefulness on the battlefield.

The rapier is capable of both slashing and thrusting attacks, but the style of fighting popular during its advent and heyday favoured the thrusting attacks we popularly associate with "[[fencing]]".

The rapier's slimmer cousin, the smallsword or the [[Fencing Foil|foil]], is the sword most often associated with the [[duel]]s of [[honour]] depicted in [[literature]] and movies, such as ''[[The Three Musketeers]]''.

For a more detailed explanation of the primary use of the rapier-- Dueling-- see [[European dueling sword]].

For a thorough and somewhat technical discusion of the rapier see:
* Characteristics of the Rapier by Chris Evans - http://swordforum.com/articles/ams/char-rapier.php

===SCA Rapier===
In the [[SCA]], the term 'rapier' is commonly used instead of '[[fencing]]'. In those kingdoms that utilize both epees and rapiers they are respectively called "light" and "heavy" rapier. In [[Lochac]], 'rapier' also refers to the in-house [[fibreglass rapier|fibreglass]] blades.

Reproduction rapier

2006-01-03T04:28:14Z

64.218.163.239:

Fencing in the SCA began with modern foil and epee but quickly progressed to using the [[schlager]] as a commercially available, more accurate reproduction of a period rapier. Unfortunately, due to it's construction, a schlager is a poor reproduction of a period rapier. This is because a schlager blade does not taper either in profile (width) or distally (thickness). A rapier blade does both, tapering in all directions towards the tip creating a lighter, longer blade with more of the weight towards the wielders hand allowing finer control of the tip.

Various commerical artisans in the SCA recognized this and set out to procure reproduction rapiers from established sword makers. Del Tin Armi Antiche in Italy was one of the first sword foundries that began supplying reproduction rapiers with rebated edges. They have since been followed by the Paul Chen / Hanwei / CAS Iberia practical rapiers, the Triplette supplied Zamorano and T03 rapiers, Darkwood Armoury's own branded Darkwood rapiers, Alchem Inc.'s Safeflex rapier and the Angus Trim practice rapier.

Fencing

2006-01-03T04:15:06Z

64.218.163.239: /* Fencing in the SCA */

'''Fencing''', otherwise known as the Art of Defence, is a form of [[sword]]-fighting that became popular in late [[period]]. With the rise of the [[musket]], heavy [[Plate Armour|plate armour]] became almost useless and was shed by some in exchange for light armour and light weaponry such as the [[rapier]] - which were quick and effective.

==Fencing in the SCA==
The [[SCA]] has a number of fencing groups, that mainly teach the heavier, more realistic fighting styles of [[rapier]] and [[side sword]] (as opposed to the sport-like modern forms of fencing generally using [[epee]] and [[Fencing Foil| foil]]). Some [[kingdom]]s allow modern equipment to be used, but some kingdoms, [[Lochac]] included, favour [[reproduction rapier]]s, practice [[schlager]]s or [[fibreglass rapier]]s.

SCA fencing allows people to move around freely rather than the simply forward-backwards movement of modern sports-fencing, and it is not limited only to thrusts. The rules allow the tip and the side of the weapon to be used for thrusts, side cuts (drawing the blade along a part of the opponent's body) and tip cuts. Side-sword allows even more techniques.

There are a number of fencing techniques available to learn, most often used are:
* Single [[rapier]]
* [[Cloak and dagger]]
* [[Rapier case]] (a pair of matched rapier)
* Rapier and [[Rapier shield|shield]]
* Rapier and [[Rapier parrying gauntlet|parrying gauntlet]]
* Rapier and [[baton]]

The [[Guild of Defence]] is an official Lochac [[guild]], and stands to promote the art throughout the kingdom. [[Tournament]]s are held at regular intervals, one of the most interesting and fun being the [[Rapier - Queens glove of courtesy|Queen's glove of courtesy]] held at the [[Rowany Festival]] (where we get to see interesting styles such as "rapier and song" vs "rapier and satyrical verse").

Rapier

2006-01-03T04:11:59Z

64.218.163.239: /* SCA rapiers */

[[category:weapons]]
A '''rapier''' is a slender, sharply pointed, two-edged [[sword]] with a blade at least 90 [[centimetre]]s in length, often sporting an elaborate [[hilt]] and hand-guard.

The rapier developed in the second half of the [[16th century]] as a modification of what is now known as the "cut-and-thrust" style [[sword]]. It was slimmer and nimbler than the thrusting [[broadsword]], a feature that enabled it to grow longer, and increased the usefulness of thrusting attacks thanks to its reach.

The rapier became popular in [[Europe]] in the 16th century primarily as a weapon for civilian use. In parallel to the rapier, other weapons were developed for use in war in response to the increasing protection offered by fully articulated plate [[armour]]. These included the [[estoc]] and many speciality [[polearm]]s-- such as the later versions of [[halberd]].

As [[steel-plate]] [[armour]] became obsolete or shrunk in size due to the increasing use of [[firearm]]s in the late 16th century and the beginning of the [[17th century]], the rapier, in various modified forms, gained usefulness on the battlefield.

The rapier is capable of both slashing and thrusting attacks, but the style of fighting popular during its advent and heyday favoured the thrusting attacks we popularly associate with "[[fencing]]".

The rapier's slimmer cousin, the smallsword or the [[Fencing Foil|foil]], is the sword most often associated with the [[duel]]s of [[honour]] depicted in [[literature]] and movies, such as ''[[The Three Musketeers]]''.

For a more detailed explanation of the primary use of the rapier-- Dueling-- see [[European dueling sword]].

For a thorough and somewhat technical discusion of the rapier see:
* Characteristics of the Rapier by Chris Evans - http://swordforum.com/articles/antiques/char-rapier.php

===SCA Rapier===
In the [[SCA]], the term 'rapier' is commonly used instead of '[[fencing]]'. In those kingdoms that utilize both epees and rapiers they are respectively called "light" and "heavy" rapier. In [[Lochac]], 'rapier' also refers to the in-house [[fibreglass rapier|fibreglass]] blades.

Schlager

2006-01-03T04:08:44Z

64.218.163.239:

The Schlagers used in SCA [[rapier]] combat are from the German Mensur or "fraternity dueling". Specifically the practice weapons from this form. The schlager blade was originally seized upon as an SCA rapier simulator because it was the only commercially available blade that approached the form and function of a period rapier. Fortunately this is no longer true, but many people still have Schlagers and some people still buy new ones because they are considered to be less expensive than reproduction rapiers (in actuality the less expensive reproduction rapier blades can be purchased for the same price OR LESS).

In many areas and/or kingdoms all heavy rapiers are mistakenly called schlagers due to the history of original use.

Mensur is a slashing form. The idea is to slash with the blade or tip to draw blood. The schlager blade was designed with this in mind. A schlager maintains a constant width and thickness of the blade once you pass the [[ricasso]], this makes the blade somewhat tip heavy which lends itself to quick slashing movements.

This blade construction differs from the profile and distal taper of period rapier blades and the modern reproduction rapier blades now available.

Schlager

2006-01-03T04:08:01Z

64.218.163.239:

The Schlagers used in SCA rapier combat are from the German Mensur or "fraternity dueling". Specifically the practice weapons from this form. The schlager blade was originally seized upon as an SCA rapier simulator because it was the only commercially available blade that approached the form and function of a period rapier. Fortunately this is no longer true, but many people still have Schlagers and some people still buy new ones because they are considered to be less expensive than reproduction rapiers (in actuality the less expensive reproduction rapier blades can be purchased for the same price OR LESS).

In many areas and/or kingdoms all heavy rapiers are mistakenly called schlagers due to the history of original use.

Mensur is a slashing form. The idea is to slash with the blade or tip to draw blood. The schlager blade was designed with this in mind. A schlager maintains a constant width and thickness of the blade once you pass the [[ricasso]], this makes the blade somewhat tip heavy which lends itself to quick slashing movements.

This blade construction differs from the profile and distal taper of period rapier blades and the modern reproduction rapier blades now available.

Schlager

2006-01-03T04:02:27Z

64.218.163.239:

The Schlagers used in SCA rapier combat are from the German Mensur or "fraternity dueling". Specifically the practice weapons from this form. The schlager blade was originally seized upon as an SCA rapier simulator because it was the only commercially available blade that approached the form and function of a period rapier. Fortunately this is no longer true, but many people still have Schlagers and some people still buy new ones because they are considered to be less expensive than reproduction rapiers (in actuality the less expensive reproduction rapier blades can be purchased for the same price OR LESS). There are two types of schlagers, the oval and the diamond.

Mensur is a slashing form. The idea is to slash with the blade or tip to draw blood. The schlager blade was designed with this in mind. A schlager maintains a constant width and thickness of the blade once you pass the [[ricasso]], this makes the blade somewhat tip heavy which lends itself to quick slashing movements.

This blade construction differs from the profile and distal taper of period rapier blades and the modern reproduction rapier blades now available.

Sword

2006-01-03T03:47:34Z

64.218.163.239: /* Fencing utensils */

[[category:weapons]]
Swords come in many different types, for differing styles of [[combat]]. People tend to be most familiar with the [[longsword]] which has long been a symbol associated with [[knight]]s.

== Types of Sword ==

*How to make your [[SCA sword]]

=== General swords ===
*[[Bayonet]]
*[[Cutlass]]
*[[Dagger]]
*[[Dirk]]
*[[Flamberge]]
*[[Katana]]
*[[Kris]]
*[[Light Sword]]
*[[Longsword]]
*[[Sai]]
*[[Scimitar]]
*[[Seax]]
*[[Stiletto]]
*[[Wakizashi]]
*[[Tachi]]

=== Fencing Swords ===
*[[Dagger]]
*[[Epee]]
*[[Fencing Foil]]
*[[Rapier]]
*[[Sabre]]