What is a Rapier?

A rapier is a type of sword, popular in Europe, within the 17th century. These historical swords were primarily used for recreational use by civilians and military use. The typical rapier sword is designed with an average overall length of 44 to 55 inches. The average blade length is 41 inches, while the handle is almost always 3 to 4 inches. Additionally, the rapier's blade is very slender, with an average width of 1 inch. Moreover, the average weight of the rapier sword is 2.5 pounds. These dimensions make the rapier optimized for sporting activities, primarily fencing. Here is an example of a rapier sword. 

There are many distinct differences between the longsword and the rapier. The first major distinction pertains to their uses. The longsword was primarily used for dueling in battle, and were built for making lethal strikes. On the other hand, rapier's were used for fencing and sword fighting practice. A second distinction pertains to the sword designs. The longsword is designed with a much wider blade, and are much heavier in weight. Additionally, their handle's are built with simple non-intricate designs, allowing the user more flexibility when swinging the sword. The rapier was designed with a narrower blade, and a very intricate handle, giving the user added hand protection during use. However, the intricate designs limit the mobility of the rapier sword. If you would like to learn more about rapiers, check out this wikipedia article outlining the history and detailed features of rapiers. 

Most rapiers on the market today are built to replicate historic and antique designs from the 16th and 17th century. Relative to other contemporary fencing swords, such as foils and sabres, the rapier is less functional and more of a collector item. Additionally, rapiers are very famous in video games based on medieval and historical eras, such as Dark Souls or RuneScape. Within these video games, the rapiers are highly valued due to their increased damage and uniqueness. 

If you are on the lookout for a rapier for sale, you can find a large variety of them on the internet. These swords are relatively expensive, and can range anywhere between $55-125 in price. However, these swords are built with quality materials, including stainless steel and durable rubber. If you'd like to be pointed in the right direction to find the perfect rapier for you, Frontier Blades offers a large selection of historic and modern rapiers for sale. 

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