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Learn about the rapier, a type of sword with a straight, slender and sharply pointed blade, used in Western Europe from the 16th to the 18th century. Find out its origin, features, variations and sources of rapier fencing and historical martial arts.
- Early Rapier. Early versions of the Renaissance rapier existed as far back as the 1400s. However, the characteristics that define a rapier of the 16th and 17th centuries can be seen in swords dating to as early as around 1570.
- Swept-Hilt Rapier. The swept-hilt rapier is one of the most common types of rapier used in the early 16oos. The swept-hilt design was both beautiful and functional, as it provided better protection than earlier versions.
- Swept-Hilt/Ringed Rapier. A unique hybrid of two hilt types, the above sword features a hilt with both swept and ringed qualities. Made of steel, gold, iron, and wood, this rapier may have been transitional in its design.
- Basket-Hilt Rapier. Truly a unique looking sword, the basket-hilted rapier provided more hand protection than ever before. Dating to around 1600-1625, this sword served as an alternative to the more common swept-hilt design.
Rapier is a short-range, rapid-reaction weapon developed for the British Army to replace towed anti-aircraft guns. It uses a manual optical guidance system and has a high level of accuracy, entering service in 1971 and being replaced by Sky Sabre in 2021.
5 days ago · The rapier is primarily distinguished by its blade form, not its hilt style. However, modern collectors often describe rapiers by their elaborate hilts, which include various combinations of loops, shells, cups, and baskets that provide added hand protection. There is no hilt style that is exclusive to the rapier.
Learn the origin, usage, and synonyms of rapier, a straight, two-edged sword with a narrow pointed blade. Also, discover the figurative sense of rapier as a sharp or keen wit.
- Dictionaryrapier/ˈreɪpɪə/
noun
- 1. a thin, light sharp-pointed sword used for thrusting.
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May 20, 2024 · Learn everything about the rapier, a long, thin sword that epitomizes elegance and precision. Discover its origins, evolution, fencing techniques, and cultural impact in this comprehensive guide.
The long rapier was beautifully balanced, excellent in attack, and superb for keeping an opponent at a distance, but it was too heavy for all the movements of combat. Defense when fighting with a rapier was effected by parrying with the left hand, which was protected by… Read More
