Anatomy of a rapier

The anatomy of a rapier consists of two parts: the blade and the hilt. The hilt can be divided into multiple parts.

The blade of a rapier is very long and thin, and it becomes progressively thinner along the length of the blade. It ends in a sharp and flexible point, the most important part of the blade. The point of the blade is ideal for piercing armor and is highly maneuverable. The part of the blade closest to the handle is the thickest and provides the strength of the sword.

The edges of the blade are not very sharp, as this type of sword was primarily used for thrusting and not for cutting or chopping.

The blade has a narrow extension, the so-called tang. The tang is used to attach the blade to the handle.

The ricasso is an unsharpened part of the blade between the blade and the tang.

Between the blade and the handle is the crossguard. The crossguard protrudes on both sides of the blade. One side is the front guard arm and the other side is the rear guard arm. When the sword of your opponent slides along your sword, it is blocked by the crossguard, preventing injury to your hand.

The hilt of a rapier is one of the most recognizable features. Most rapiers have a cup-shaped handle or a swept handle.

Both types of grips cover the hand like a cup. The difference is that a cup hilt is a round curved piece of steel without holes, while the swept handle consists of multiple curved bars with open spaces between them. A cup hilt is said to offer better protection against blows, whereas the swept handle provides better protection against cuts.

Although the swept handle certainly has a practical purpose, it also serves as decoration.

From beneath the cup hilt or the swept hilt, a curved piece of steel extends downward in front of the hand. This is the knuckle guard. The primary purpose of the knuckle guard is to protect the sword hand, but it also indicates which side of the blade should be up and which side should be down.

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