Rapier: Difference between revisions
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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. |
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. |
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The rapier developed |
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. |
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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 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]]. |
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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. |
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. |
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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 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]]". |
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The rapier's slimmer cousin, 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]]''. |
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]]''. |
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For a more detailed explanation of the primary use of the rapier-- Dueling-- see [[European dueling sword]]. |
For a more detailed explanation of the primary use of the rapier-- Dueling-- see [[European dueling sword]]. |
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Revision as of 15:38, 19 December 2005
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 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.
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/antiques/char-rapier.php
SCA rapiers
In the SCA, the term 'rapier' is commonly used instead of 'fencing'. In Lochac, 'rapier' also refers to the in-house fibreglass blades.
