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 inch 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.
A beautifully executed 17th Century rapier with a complex hilt and faceted pommel. The grip is hand wound with silver plated wire with woven wire rings, top and bottom. This type of sword was deadly effective as a dueling weapon.
Not all rapiers were made for the social elite of the renaissance. They were a common sword of the day, and so some, like this Black Hilt Rapier, were made to be less ornate. Being less fancy hardly decreased its effectiveness.
Precision, agility, and technique are all three things that the rapier emphasizes, thanks to its narrow blade. This Black Wire Hilt Rapier recreates the look of a historic sword that gradually changed the way men fought with blades.
A duelist needs a sword that excels at both offense and defense. This Blackened Swept Hilt Rapier, with its cut-and-thrust style blade, looks to be just that, while its blackened hilt confers a dark appeal to the look of this blade.
The swept hilt rapier was quite popular in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. This Bone Grip Swept Hilt Rapier is hand forged and has a blade of high carbon steel. The diamond cross section provides firmness and flexibility.
The rapier is a classic evolution of the sword, changing as warriors began to favor finesse and skill over strength. This Brandenburg Rapier is equal parts form and function, possessing a dashing look and a blade fit for any swordsman.
A rapier of identical form and proportions to the Christus Imperat Rapier is housed in The Royal Armouries, formerly known as the Tower of London. The flamboyantly formed hilt is both beautiful and functional.
For the most part, swordplay was solely the province of warriors in history. At least, that remained true until the 16th century, when swordplay became popular with civilians and swords like this Classical Swept Hilt Rapier became common.
With its graceful, artistic lines, the rapier has always been a romantic symbol of the Renaissance. The reality is that the rapier is a deadly hand-to-hand combat weapon, perfectly suited for the swift duelists of the day.
As swords became lighter, carrying and fighting with one became popular among civilians. This Fencers Swept Hilt Rapier is one sword that a noble might have carried, as much for self-defense as a symbol of personal skill and prestige.
Predecessor to modern fencing weapons as we know them, the Rapier is the progenitor of a line of swords that emphasize precision, agility, technique, and a counter-and-thrust style that has become the sport of fencing.
In 17th century European societies, swordplay with a rapier was a crucial element in the education of a gentleman. Today, anyone can practice the art of fencing with the balanced and stunning Practical Swept Hilt Long Rapier.