Rapier Swords - Are You a Renaissance Fan?

When it comes to elegance and power workingvery wide variety indeed. For example, the
together, no other sword says it like the rapierMusketeer Rapier sports the exact same rapier in
class of swords. The rapier is a fine sword inthe classic Three Musketeers, where the hand
terms of both figure and its potential to be aguard is made of nickel silver fully covering the
potential weapon in the hands of a skilledhand and etched with a cross on the surface.
swordsman. The rapier was known primarily to beOther hand guard designs include the Gratham
used by the Spanish, French and Italians, but isRapier which boasts a very elaborate grey
now a sword known and used by many sowrdmetallic floral design, and the Florentine Italian
enthusiasts all over the world.Rapier features a shell guard design.
Rapiers were not heavy swords compared toBecause of the elegance that rapiers like the 17th
their conventional counterparts. In fact, rapiersCentury Swept Hilt Rapier and the Bone Handled
were meant to be light but sharp, and while theySwept Hilt Rapier exude, these swords have
make good swift slashes, they were primarilybecome part of the fashion of many individuals,
meant for thrusting techniques. This, however,especially those belonging to the noble class or
seemed like a limitation to most swordsmen, andwho take office in a high military position.
was normally used for civilian self-defense and forIn the present, the most common practical use of
dueling. The Hanwei Practical Rapier 43 are one ofrapiers is for fencing, which has been a popular
the many rapiers that could be used for practicalsport for many, especially sword enthusiasts. But
dueling.whether it's for fencing or for some other
But what really makes the rapier such an elegantpersonal reason, there are still many who forge
weapon is the design on it handle. Avid fans ofhigh quality rapiers for those who are interested in
rapiers usually collect a variety or rapiers basedthem.
on the design of the hand guard, which come at a