Fencing Rapiers

This particular weapon was made popular by movies such as Zorro and The 3 Musketeers. Commonly used nowadays for the sport of fencing, the fencing rapier sword has come a long way since the medieval period. In its early stages in history, rapiers were designed to be cut and thrust swords with simple hilts intended mainly for personal rather than for battlefield use. The rise of the middle class in medieval society fueled the demand for personal fashion and civilian defense. With this, the rapier become more popular and its design later evolved into an elaborately hilted, very slender, long blade with virtually no edges, and were used primarily for thrusting. With the new weapon, a new swordplay was introduced and new fencing methods flourished in the European setting. The designs of the hilt and the lengths of a fencing rapier blade varied widely across different countries and its appearance became a giveaway to its origin. The Spanish rapier for instance is recognizable for its cupped hilt; the German rapier for its clamshell-like covers; the English rapier by its flat oval hilt; and the French rapier for its intricately designed wire hilts. From the 15th to 17th century, fencing rapiers were the accepted code of gentlemanly fashion and it could resolve conflicts, settle insults, and cement a gentleman’s reputation through duels.Come to think of it, having one in your collection would make for a great LARP tool.