The rapier sword is perhaps one of the most artistic styles of sword if you ask me. Those sword are light, amazingly attractive and a great addition to any sword collection.
It is common belief that rapiers were used for rapid exchange of thrust and parry like you see in multiple pirate’s movies or movies like “Monte Cristo” or “Zorro”…
Despite what most believe in our current society, rapier fights were very different than what we see today in modern fencing and what you see on TV are stunts and not a representation of how fights were conducted in that time.
The truth is that rapier fights were much more violent than you can imagine. Most of the time attacks were dodged and not blocked. It was a matter of being cautious and extremely precise. The only time an attack was blocked it was done in an attempt to deflect while continuing to make a counter thrust.
Most of the time the rapier was used with a parrying-dagger, a buckler or a cloak and in some cases even a scabbard. It was common practice in the renaissance for gentlemen to carry a cloak or cape which could be used as a defence weapon.
The Rapier fighting style was a major improvement compared to the medieval cut-and-thrust style. The rapier fighting style is all about controlling the distance, the timing and the technique.
