Functional Fencing Rapiers

Rapiers were a popular historical weaponry during the Renaissance era, known for their long, slender blades and intricate hilt designs. The rapier was a dueling weapon whose form was developed from cut and thrust swords. Its use was more brutal and forceful than the light sport fencing that we know of today. Originally, starting about 1470, any civilian sword was often referred to as simply a “rapier”, but it quickly took on the meaning of a slender, civilian thrusting sword. There is also an English document from the 1500’s that uses the term “rapier-sword” for advising courtiers how to be armed, indicating the understanding that there were new slender blades coming into civilian use. Eventually developing into edgeless, ideal thrusting weapons, the quick, innovative rapiers superseded the military weapon for personal duel and urban self-defense. Being capable of making only limited lacerations, earlier varieties of rapiers are still often confused with the cut and thrust swords which gave gestation to their method. As a civilian weapon of urban self-defense, a true rapier was a tip-based thrusting sword that used stabbing and piercing, not slashing and cleaving. The true rapier blade ranged from early flatter triangular blades to thicker, narrow hexagonal ones. Rapier hilts range from swept hilt styles, to later dishes and cups. It had no true cutting edge such as with military swords for war.

Shop quality, authentic rapier swords at Dark Knight Armoury

Whether you’re a serious collector or a devoted larper, our rapier collection is sure to impress and delight with its exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail.