Renaissance Rapiers

Rapiers are slender, sharp pointed thrusting used in Europe in the 16th and 17th centuries. Their complex guard was intended to protect the swordsman and was often used to snare the opponent’s sword and snap the tip.

The rapier developed from early Spanish designs of th 1500s. They were originally designed as a dress sword but were soon use as a cut and thrust weapon in duels and on the battlefield. By 1700 the rapier had replaced the small sword throughout Europe. In it's later development solid pieces of metal replace the rings and evolved to the cup hilt swords. Many improvements of the rapier were made by the Spanish and Germans over the three centuries of use.

Today rapiers are used by fencers. Rapier fencing has become more and more popular over the past few years. We carry two excellent fencing rapiers wit blunted tips and replaceable blade for fencers. We also have many costume and functional replicas of these famous swords.