Rapier generally refers to a relatively long-bladed sword characterized by a complex hilt which is constructed to provide protection for the hand wielding it. While the blade might be broad enough to cut to some degree, but nowhere near that of the wider, slightly heavier swords in use around the Middle Ages. The strength of the rapier is its ability as a thrusting weapon. The term rapier generally refers to a thrusting sword with a blade longer and thinner than that of the so-called side-sword but heavier than the small sword, a lighter weapon that would follow in the 18th century. The blade might be sharpened along its entire length, sharpened only from the center to the tip, or completely without a cutting edge. A typical example would weigh one kilogram and have a relatively long and slender blade of 2.5 centimeters or less in width, one meter or more in length and ending in a sharply pointed tip.

Fencing and the European sword fighting arts are continuing a resurgence in popularity thanks to a combination of hard work by historians that have uncovered new materials and a number of popular movies/television series, such as Highlander.

While the internet often contains inaccurate information on fencing, the growing community of serious enthusiasts and amateur researches of Medieval and Renaissance fighting arts are becoming an important and reputable source of guidance for those studying the arts. We have only begun to scratch the surface in examining the materials and manuals now coming to light through the fencing community, and we are finding that the wealth of fighting manuals previously studied by many has only been the tip of a very large iceberg.

We at ESKnives.com are please to help you begin or continue your journey with fencing.