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The Rapier was popular in the
late 16th and early 17th century. 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 an edgeless, ideal
thrusting weapon, the quick, innovative rapier superseded the
military cut & thrust sword for personal duel and urban
self-defense. Being capable of making only limited
lacerations, earlier varieties of the rapier 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. True rapier blades ranged
from early flatter triangular blades to thicker, narrow hexagonal
ones. Rapier hilts range from swept styles, to later dishes
and cups. It had no true cutting edge such as with military swords
for war. We carry a full line of functional and decorative fencing
rapiers. We have famous styles of fencing rapiers such as the
Pappenheimer and Swept-Hilt. All our rapiers are
expertly hand-crafted and authentic replicas! You can display them
in your office, home or for Medieval Reenactments.
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The functional fencing rapier was popular in the late 16th and early 17th
century. The fencing 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. As a civilian weapon of urban
self-defense, a true fencing rapier was a tip-based thrusting sword that
used stabbing and piercing, not slashing and cleaving. True functional
rapier blades ranged from early flatter triangular blades to thicker, narrow
hexagonal ones. Fencing rapier hilts range from swept styles, to later
dishes and cups. It had no true cutting edge such as with military swords
for war.
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Decorative fencing rapiers are for
home or office decor. Decorative rapiers also make a great addition to
a sword or fencing collector's collection. These decorative fencing
rapiers are great for stage props or an addition to a costume. Decorative
rapiers are designed from the originals and hand made of the finest quality
materials.
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The swept hilt rapier was the civilian
weapon of choice for close to 200 years, from the early 16th century to the
early 18th. On our replica, nine brass bars, all at least 1/8"" thick, swirl
and curve to make the dazzling cage that protects the hand from being cut.
Also, the Swept-Hilt often caught an opponent's blade, opening him up to a
fatal stab. Swordplay with the swept hilt rapier was considered an essential
part of a gentleman's education and was often used in resolving gentlemanly
disagreements. Functional fencing rapier blades typically originated in
Toledo or Solingen and would be hilted by regional smiths, resulting in many
hilt styles. Hilt finishes were both practical and decorative and gilding,
silvering and bluing were all widely accepted methods of providing both
decoration and resistance to rust.
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A Pappenheimer rapier whose modern
name derives from that of Gottfried Heinrich, Count of Pappenheim
(1594-1632), colonel of cuirassier regiment and later the general in command
of the imperial cavalry. The Pappenheimer rapier was light, flexible,
capable of both cut and thrust and yet not too heavy for good point work.
Hilt is ambidextrous, comprising of a pair of symmetrical shell guards
enclosed in rings and pierced with holes, wide recurved quillions, and a
knuckle guard with side bars. Some types of hilts had a pair of ring guards
below the shells for additional protection. The heavy pommel was most often
urn-shaped and also topped off by a button. Grip is wire wrapped wood. Guard
and pommel are both steel. The Pappenheimer rapier is a historically
important sword and one that belongs in a collection of edged weapons. |
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Are you in need of a fencing rapier
replacement blade, well have no fear we have them. If you have been
practicing hard and broke your rapier blade our replacement blades will do
the trick. Our fencing rapier replacement blades are great so you
don't have to get rid of that favorite rapier that you practiced with.
Our fencing replacement blades are made of high carbon spring steel and come
in a variety of styles and lengths.
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