Fencer Archive

I know SWG doesn’t have any rapiers and this has nothing to with the game but hear me out. When people say fencer two thinks come to mind, the Olympics and the three Musketeers. There’s a lot of history in this sword and I though my fellow fencers would like to know more about the rapier (or at least see some pic’s…and if any dev’er needs any ideas for a new weapons)

The rapier started by evolving from the broadsword. At first, those Olympics style foils where big hulky slash weapons. Here’s a mid 1400’s, back sword rapier. How do I know it’s a rapier? It has a place to put your finger over the cross guard. By placing your finger over the bar you gain better control over the point.

You can start to see a more elaborate guard and thinner blades, mid 1500’s, side sword or transition sword. As blades became faster and lighter, hands become a bigger target, protection became more important.

late 1500’s, you can see the blades are getting skinner.

early 1600’s, kinda a three musketeer looking ring hilt.

late 1600’s you start seeing little thin epee blade.

late 1600’s early 1700’s cup hilt

Firearms start to become wide spread. Melee weapons start to takesecond place to the ball and powder muskets.

In the 1700’s the foil was developed and the decline of rapier starts. From here it really turns into a sport as much as a way to defend ones honor.

Here’s a good little article about the history of fencing.

An in-depth article about rapiers and how it changed. (This is long and assumes you have a basic knowledge sword play)

notes: All the pic’s come from the darkwood armory site and the owners collection. I’ve had handled all the weapons showed. All rapiers I’ve posted are reproductions of museum peaces.