A Short History of The Most Balanced Melee Weapon: The Rapier

A rapier is a thrusting sword characterized by a long blade and a complex hilt designed to protect the combatant from injury to the hand. While able to cut in some instances it is an inefficient cutting weapon and derived its popularity as a thrusting weapon. There were several sharpening styles the three most prevalent being sharpened along the entire length, sharpened from center to end, or without any edge whatsoever. The average Rapier would be 2.2 lbs. with a blade width of no more than 1 in. and at least three feet in length. This thrusting sword is longer and thinner than the side sword and heavier than the small sword which came to prevalence in the 18th century. Certain swordsmen of the period divided blades into two to nine parts based on its position along the blade in terms of strength for training purposes and different techniques of attack and defense. The perfect form of this blade depends on whom you are asking which is why there are so many variations of this weapon through out the world.

This weapon was developed around the 1500's as an espada ropera by the Spaniards and was a cutting and thrusting blade made for self defense and duels. The Germans adopted a similar version in the late 15th century and the weapon was further refined by the English by 1600 with geometrical theories of blade shape. This weapon became high fashion among the wealthy of Europe. The term rapier was not used by Italian, Spanish, or French swordsmen during this weapons height and much more often described as a straight bladed, two edged, single handed, sword of the 17th century that is capable of successful offense and defensive positions. Most swords are categorized by their use and function. This long bladed speed sword allowed for quick reactions and was well suited to civilian combat with its extended reach in combat styles of the 16th and 17th century. Other sword types were modified for modern relevance but with combat styles changing the lighter and shorter small sword and by 1715, though still used, this weapon had been replaced.

Medieval Weapons