Rapier
A rapier is a slender, sharply pointed, two-edged sword with a blade at least 90 centimetres in length, often sporting an elaborate hilt and hand-guard. The SCA uses reproduction rapiers 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 polearms-- such as the later versions of halberd.
As steel-plate armour became obsolete or shrunk in size due to the increasing use of firearms in the late 16th century and the beginning of the 17th century, the rapier, in various modified forms, gained usefulness on the battlefield. During the 17th century the cup hilt was added to the rapier giving the hand increased protection again thrusts.
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 foil, is the sword most often associated with the duels 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 blades.
