Were Rapiers used in Combat?

Paul Macdonald · 9th May 2009, 11:13 AM

Hi Fearn,

No such thing as dumb questions, only dumb answers

Rapier blades are designed to oppose unarmoured opponents wearing either shirt sleeves or civilian street wear (shirt , waistcoat, doublet).
It will run a man through in these for sure, and likely even light - mid weight leather, but any heavier than this (such as buff coat leather), and I would doubt the effectiveness of a rapier blade for piercing.
Against steel armour of any kind, no chance.

Best tool for sticking leather armour or steel armour gaps in close is a sturdy dagger.

Hope this helps

Macdonald

Dmitry · 23rd August 2010, 07:47 PM

A good example of the rapier-mounted broadsword is the accumulation of multiple examples with nearly identical hilts, which were carried by the Bodyguard of the Electors of Saxony in the late 1600s-early 1700s.
These blades are uniformely beefy cut-and-thrust type, which would probably break an average civilian rapier blade with one blow.
I believe this is the exact type of sword that was often painted on the equestrian portraits of various European military commanders, nobility and rulers of the 1600s.

Chris Evans · 24th August 2010, 02:48 PM

Hi,

A fascinating recurring subject!

I think that in post #10, by Stephen Hand gives us a strong clue ; http://swordforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=84055

My own view is that in all probability rapiers did see combat during wars, just as knives did, but were not the weapon of choice and were used on account of dire necessity, for lack of anything better being on hand, rather than efficacy.

Cheers
Chris

9th May 2009, 11:13 AM	#1
Paul Macdonald Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Edinburgh, Scotland Posts: 48	Hi Fearn, No such thing as dumb questions, only dumb answers Rapier blades are designed to oppose unarmoured opponents wearing either shirt sleeves or civilian street wear (shirt , waistcoat, doublet). It will run a man through in these for sure, and likely even light - mid weight leather, but any heavier than this (such as buff coat leather), and I would doubt the effectiveness of a rapier blade for piercing. Against steel armour of any kind, no chance. Best tool for sticking leather armour or steel armour gaps in close is a sturdy dagger. Hope this helps Macdonald

23rd August 2010, 07:47 PM	#2
Dmitry Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 607	A good example of the rapier-mounted broadsword is the accumulation of multiple examples with nearly identical hilts, which were carried by the Bodyguard of the Electors of Saxony in the late 1600s-early 1700s. These blades are uniformely beefy cut-and-thrust type, which would probably break an average civilian rapier blade with one blow. I believe this is the exact type of sword that was often painted on the equestrian portraits of various European military commanders, nobility and rulers of the 1600s.

24th August 2010, 02:48 PM	#3
Chris Evans Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Australia Posts: 685	Hi, A fascinating recurring subject! I think that in post #10, by Stephen Hand gives us a strong clue ; http://swordforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=84055 My own view is that in all probability rapiers did see combat during wars, just as knives did, but were not the weapon of choice and were used on account of dire necessity, for lack of anything better being on hand, rather than efficacy. Cheers Chris