At the beginning of the 16th century, France, and then other European countries, were gripped by “dueling fever,” which raged on the continent for more than three centuries. In just a few decades of the reign of the French king Henry IV, duels led to the death of approximately ten thousand people, most of whom belonged to the noble class. The main weapon in duels of that time was the sword.
Sword. This word itself is shrouded in a romantic aura. Pronouncing it, it’s as if you are transported to the narrow streets of Paris or Seville into the world of arrogant and hot-tempered hidalgos and musketeers, so masterfully described in the brilliant books of Dumas and Arturo Perez-Reverte. Without a doubt, the sword is the most “noble” edged weapon, the defender of noble honor and the most faithful friend of the brethren.
It is believed that the sword appeared around the middle of the 15th century in Spain. Very quickly it became popular not only in the army, but also as a civilian weapon for nobles or simply wealthy people. Over time, the sword turned into an indispensable attribute of any man from the noble class, and fencing with swords became the favorite pastime of the nobles. No wonder in different countries In Europe (including Russia), there was a custom of the so-called civil execution, during which the condemned man’s sword was broken over the head.
It was the sword that made a huge contribution to the development of fencing. Since dueling with swords was common, men learned to use these weapons from a young age. Fencing lessons were common, taken by men of all ages. In Europe there was even a very specific institution - fencing fraternities. These associations professional fencers had an extensive network of branches, experienced instructors and special system passing exams.
Today, sword fencing is olympic event sports, although it must be admitted that sports sword fighting is very different from the fencing matches of the past. The same can be said about the design of a sports sword, which has little in common with the blades of musketeers.
The rapier is considered a further development of the sword. Translated from Spanish, espada ropera literally means "dress sword", that is, a weapon carried with a civilian suit. In other words, the rapier was exclusively civilian weapons, intended for a predominantly piercing blow. So yourself, easy option swords. In Russia, a rapier is often called a weapon with a faceted blade, intended for training matches. However, the main difference between a sword and a rapier is that the latter has never been a military weapon.
It must be said that there is a lot of confusion on this issue. In historical sources, the same weapon can be called both a sword and a rapier. A similar situation is also observed in popular literature (for example, in “The Three Musketeers”). Of course, the most common opinion is that a sword was a weapon that could be used to chop an enemy, and a rapier could only be used to inflict injections. But, probably, contemporaries did not go into such subtleties too much, so initially these names were synonyms, which subsequently led to noticeable confusion.
Description
A sword is a bladed piercing or piercing-cutting weapon with a narrow, straight, double-edged, single-edged or faceted blade and a complex guard. On average, the length of the blade was one meter, but there were also larger specimens. Its cross-section could be hexagonal, triangular, oval, rhombic, concave. The weight of the weapon was usually about 1.5 kg.
The sword blade could have fullers or stiffeners. It ended with a shank on which the sword handle with bow and guard was mounted. Sword guards amaze with their elegance, complexity and variety; some of them had devices for capturing the enemy’s blade. Currently, this part of the sword is used to classify this weapon.
In essence, the combat sword was a somewhat lightweight sword with a narrow and flexible blade, designed more for thrusting than for cutting blows. It should also be added that in the design of this weapon much attention is paid to protecting the fencer’s hand. The evolution of the sword followed the path of its lightening and gradual transformation into an exclusively piercing weapon. In later swords, the blades could either be completely absent or not sharpened.
The classification of swords is based on the size of the weapon's blade, its weight, as well as the design features of the hilt. One of the most famous experts on European edged weapons, Ewart Oakeshott, divides swords into three large groups:
- Heavy combat swords (reitschwert - from German “horseman’s sword”), which could be used both for stabbing and chopping;
- A lighter sword (espada ropera - from Spanish “sword for clothes”), which had blades, but due to its low weight was not very suitable for slashing. This type of weapon was popular in the 16th century, later it was supplanted by even lighter swords;
- The third type of weapon that received English name small sword (“small sword”). Similar swords appeared in the middle of the 17th century and were distinguished by a light, faceted blade of short length.
History of the sword
The sword is further historical development sword. This statement does not mean at all that she is best weapon, than the good old sword, just at the time of its appearance it was more suitable for the changed conditions of warfare. On medieval battlefields the sword would have been useless, but already in the Renaissance it proved to be a very effective combat tool.
The sword can be called the same age as a firearm. Moreover, the birth of these weapons is associated with the widespread use of guns and artillery on European battlefields. Today there are several hypotheses regarding the reasons for the emergence of these weapons.
Some authors believe that the sword appeared in response to further improvement plate armor, which became virtually invulnerable to slashing attacks. They say that using a thin blade, it was possible to hit an enemy in heavy armor, delivering piercing blows to their joints. In theory, this may look nice, but in reality it seems almost impossible. The so-called Maximilian armor had a degree of protection not inferior to modern spacesuits for deep-sea diving. Hitting an enemy protected by such armor in a real fight is extremely problematic.
Another theory seems more plausible, according to which swords did not appear to pierce heavy armor, but because due to the advent of firearms, heavy armor gradually became a thing of the past. There was no point in carrying an incredible amount of iron on oneself if it could not protect the fighter from a flying bullet. The heavy swords of the late Middle Ages were precisely designed to pierce such armor; after the reduction of defensive weapons, they also became unnecessary. At this moment the sword began its triumphal march.
It should be said that the early heavy sword was not much different from medieval sword, she was somewhat lighter and more graceful than him. Even additional protection for the swordsman's hand could be found on swords of an earlier period. True, fencing technique, sharpened for piercing blows, led to a change in the grip of the weapon. For greater controllability, the index finger rested on the crosspiece from above and needed additional protection. In addition, at the same time, plate metal gloves went out of use, which interfered with the normal use of firearms. So gradually the handle of the sword turned into that complex structure by which it can be unmistakably recognized among other bladed weapons.
It is believed that the first swords appeared in Spain around the middle of the 15th century. This weapon very quickly became popular among the noble class. Swords were lighter than swords, so they were more convenient for everyday wear. This weapon was richly decorated to emphasize the status of the owner, but at the same time it absolutely did not lose its fighting qualities. Already during this period there was a division into military and civilian swords. By the end of the 15th century, the last variety received its own name, espadas roperas, which passed into other languages and gave its own name to the new weapon - rapier.
By the way, in most European languages there is no term for “sword”. This weapon was (and is) called “sword”. In Spanish it is espada, in French it is épée, in English it is sword, and only the Germans gave the sword its own name - Degen. Moreover, in German Degen also means dagger, which has given some researchers reason to believe that it was the predecessor of the sword.
The sword gradually spread to all types of troops, finally replacing the sword. The 18th century can be called the heyday of these weapons, then they gradually began to be forced out of the army by broadswords and sabers.
Civilian swords were lighter and narrower than military weapons; often only their tip was sharpened. At the end of the 17th century in France, a short civilian sword came into use, which, due to its light weight, made it possible to carry out masterly movements with the blade. This is how the French school of fencing appeared. At this time, the rapier and sword become practically indistinguishable from each other and completely lose their chopping function. The decrease in the mass of the sword occurred not only due to a decrease in its length and width, but also due to the fact that the blade became faceted. This is how a light civilian sword appeared, which survived until the beginning of the 20th century without much change.
The most popular were three-edged blades, although there were also examples with six edges. Initially, the blades were made wide at the hilt; it is believed that this part of the sword was intended to parry enemy blows. Classical narrow shape swords were finally acquired by the era Napoleonic wars. We can say that from this moment the evolution of the sword ended.
It should also be said that the light civilian sword became the prototype of the modern sports rapier, and the basic techniques of sports fencing are based on the techniques of the French school.
The civilian sword was extremely popular weapon. It was worn by nobles, bourgeois, military Peaceful time and even students. Wearing a sword was a privilege for them; students usually received swords after graduation, but there were exceptions. For example, students at Moscow University received the right to carry these weapons after entering the university.
German students not only enjoyed wearing swords, but also loved to use them in duels. Moreover, young men in Prussia were extremely proud of the scars they received in such battles. Sometimes they were specially rubbed with gunpowder so that the mark would remain for life.
In Russia, they tried to equip more rifle units with swords, but this weapon did not catch on. Later they began to use it en masse in units of the new system, and Peter the Great armed all Russian infantry with swords. But then the sword was replaced by a half-saber among the rank and file. The sword was left only to the officer corps and guards musketeers. In their design, Russian swords were no different from their foreign counterparts.
In the 19th century, swords in the Russian army lost their importance as military weapons and were gradually replaced by sabers. However, officers continue to carry them outside of formation, as a ceremonial weapon. Until 1917, the sword was the weapon of generals and officers of cuirassier regiments out of formation, in addition, it was worn by civil officials as an element formal clothes.
Fencing
The appearance of the sword gave a powerful impetus to the development of fencing. It cannot be said that before this they used swords to cut as best they could, but it was the lightness of the sword that made it possible to significantly expand the arsenal of fencing techniques. Very quickly, recognized fencing schools appeared: Italian, Spanish, French, German. Each of them had own characteristics.
The Germans, for example, paid a lot of attention to slashing blows, and as an auxiliary weapon they used a heavy pistol, the handle of which struck like a club.
In the Italian school of fencing, for the first time, they emphasized piercing blows with the tip. It was in Italy that the principle of “killing with the point, not the blade” was born. A special dagger, the daga, was often used as an additional weapon in a fight. By the way, it is believed that duels appeared in Italy, replacing medieval knightly tournaments and duels.
The French school of fencing gave birth to a light short sword and gave the world the basic techniques for handling it. It is this that underlies modern sports fencing.
In England, during fights they often used a special shield-knuckles or daga.
The Spanish school of fencing was called Destreza, which can be translated as “true art” or “skill.” It taught not only how to fight with swords, but also how to use items such as a cloak, a daga, and a small shield in battle. The Spaniards paid attention not only to the skills of handling weapons, but also to the moral development of the fighter and the philosophical aspects of the art of war.
Is the sport of fencing that exists today similar to real sword fighting? There is an interesting statement that if a modern master of sports fencing went back in time, he could easily cope with any sword master of the Renaissance. Is it so?
The most important technical technique of modern athletes is the lunge attack, which is almost completely absent in ancient Italian and Spanish fencing schools. However, would it be useful in a real fight?
A lunge attack forces the fencer to stretch his stance. In this position, he is static, and it is difficult for him to defend against enemy attacks. In sports fencing, after the injection is carried out, the match is stopped, which, of course, is impossible in a real fight. At the same time, a single injection absolutely does not guarantee victory over the enemy. In sports fencing there are practically no defenses; fights are held according to the principle “whoever hits first gets the point.” In a real fight, it is simply necessary to defend yourself, because a missed injection does not mean the loss of a point, but injury, or even death.
Moreover, in the arsenal of historical fencing schools there were not only defenses with the blade, but also body movements: sharp rebounds, departures from the line of attack, sudden changes in level. In modern fencing, moving away from the line of attack is completely prohibited.
Now let's look at the weapons used by modern athletes and compare them with the swords of old times. A modern sports sword is a flexible steel rod weighing 700-750 grams; the main task of this weapon in battle is to lightly touch the opponent’s body. The swords of the old masters could weigh up to 1.5 kg; with this weapon it was possible not only to stab, but also to chop, depriving the enemy, for example, of his hands.
Even the fencing stances described in ancient manuals are the opposite of modern ones.
There is another myth, it is associated with the contrast between European and Eastern fencing techniques. They say that the Japanese are real virtuosos in the use of edged weapons, and the Europeans defeated their rivals in fights only due to physical strength and endurance.
This is not entirely true. The development of Japanese fencing can be divided into two large stages: before the onset of the Edo era and after it. Early periods The history of the Land of the Rising Sun is remembered for its almost continuous internecine wars, in which warriors fought on the battlefield using long tati swords and heavy armor. The fencing technique was very simple and consistent with that used in medieval Europe.
After the onset of the Edo era, the situation changed dramatically. Heavy armor and long swords are abandoned. New mass weapons becomes a katana, which leads to the emergence of a new fencing technique, complex and sophisticated. Here we can draw direct analogies with Europe, where similar processes took place: the heavy combat sword was replaced by the sword. It was the appearance of these weapons that led to the emergence of very complex fencing schools, such as the Spanish Destreza, for example. Judging by the written sources that have come down to us, European fencing systems were not much inferior to Eastern ones. Although, of course, they had their own characteristics.
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A real rapier can be called a one-handed piercing weapon. It has a long, narrow, hard, almost bladeless blade, voluminous in cross-section and tapering towards the tip. The point is very thin and sharp. Rapiers differ from one another in the length and width of the blades and, especially, in the appearance of the hilts. Rapiers are thin, light, balanced piercing weapons designed for duels with opponents who are not protected by armor.
Rapier: terminology
In the most diverse historical literature On weapons you can find various descriptions of rapiers. In terminology, rapiers were defined as swords with narrow cutting-and-piercing blades, poorly suited for cutting and cutting blows. They were used by military representatives and townspeople. As a result, rapiers began to be called weapons with long piercing blades without blades.
Rapiers have a wide variety of shapes and sizes, as well as common features: thin and hard, rigid blades, intended only for piercing blows.
Rapiers in the 16th century
Rapiers changed and adapted to the new environment. They can be conditionally called “early” - with blades that are wide and flat in cross-section, and “late” or “real” - with blades that are narrower and more voluminous in cross-section. Short one-handed swords, sharply tapering towards the tip (characteristic of the 15th century), would today also be considered varieties of rapiers, mainly because of the hilts, reminiscent of the hilts of rapiers of the late 16th century.
Strength of rapiers
Available historical evidence that rapiers could break during battles. They broke against bodies or from hitting each other. The rapier blade was very thin and light, which affected its strength. As a result, it broke upon contact with any hard object. It is known that gunsmiths recommended not to strike with the tip, or at least not to hit it very hard.
Although rapier blades are fragile, they are not that vulnerable. Rapiers can be quite strong and can parry thrusts from heavier weapons. but only with the middle, more durable parts of the blades, hilts, or with the help of attacks that divert blows, without placing hard blocks. The best option was to dodge the blow rather than deflect it.
Origin of the name rapier
There are a variety of theories about the origin of this name. At first, in the 16th century, French fencers called any long and thin weapon rapiére. While the Spanish warriors called the small blades carried by civilians spada ropera, which means “clothing sword.” In the next century, the British called similar weapons rapiers, and in the Germans - Rappier and Rapir. Over time, the word “rapier” began to be used to describe thin piercing blades.
It is not known for certain how espada ropera or la rapiére differ. Nothing is known about their sizes. But it is known that the Italian nobility of 1480–1490 had blades that were longer and heavier than daggers, but lighter than combat swords. These blades had complex wicker or completely closed hilts. It is possible that over time they became longer, and this is how rapiers appeared.
Why were rapiers created?
Rapiers evolved from earlier cutting-and-stabbing swords and were a weapon of self-defense in the city, as well as in frequent duels. For this purpose, master gunsmiths made fast, mobile, one-handed piercing weapons. They could be used on streets, alleys or places with limited space. There was close interaction between swordsmen and weapons masters.
All new inventions were tested in practice. And the most successful elements were retained and improved taking into account the requests of those who used them. Initially, rapiers were created as something of a kind of response to cutting and piercing swords, and later they began to be used as a counter to other rapiers.
With time newest types weapons were invented along with the technology for their use. At the beginning of the 16th century, people could not go out on the street with huge battle swords. Then lighter, thinner and less huge weapons began to appear. Nevertheless, appearance thin and light blades for everyday duels continued to change throughout the century. They acquired their final forms only towards the end of the 16th century.
When were rapiers used?
Weapons resembling rapiers appeared by the middle of the 16th century, but the name itself appeared earlier. Forms more similar to the current ones appeared later, and then continued to be modified until the end of the 17th century. The Spaniards used rapiers even in the 19th century. In certain European regions in the 18th-19th centuries, ancient rapiers were sometimes used in so-called “formal” fights. In addition, other hilts were often attached to old blades, and sometimes they were shortened.
There is a well-known legend that master swordsmen had a hand in the invention of piercing swords in the 16th century to replace “heavy cutting swords.” This is not entirely true, because sharpened thrusting swords (heavy and light) a huge number have existed since the 14th century. In addition, despite the almost two hundred years of use of “heavy chopping swords,” they were still widely used, but in a slightly modified form (such as sabers, broadswords, etc.). Moreover, even after rapiers ceased to be popular.
The influence of rapiers on fencing technique
Essentially, rapier fencing was about the shortest distance between a pair of points being a straight line of thrust. The speed and reach of rapiers in battle could be a surprise for warriors who did not know this style of fighting. In the hands of a master, rapiers were unpredictable, swift, and inexperienced opponents could simply underestimate them.
Stabbing wounds were easily inflicted and were often fatal. If someone tried to deliver slashing or cutting blows with the help of a less agile slashing weapon, then he quickly received a thrust from a rapier, which was more maneuverable.
During linear attacks, fighters, as a rule, tried to synchronously defend and counterattack with scrupulously calibrated movements, avoiding the opponent’s thrust in advance. This could be done with one movement. At the same time, the connection with the enemy’s blade was preserved.
In addition, this was done with a free hand or additional weapons. The long, thin blades were perfect for these actions. However, sometimes long length could have interfered, but all because the enemy short weapon could, technically bypassing a rapier strike, use a stiletto.
Thin, unpredictable rapiers were an everyday weapon, mainly for resolving conflict situations. They were created for street fighting, and were the main civilian weapon of self-defense. From simple practical objects, they became popular attributes in the “noble art.”
Fencing with rapiers in combat
Rapiers were not used at all in the same way as is shown today in films like “The Three Musketeers” or “The Mask of Zorro.” In popular culture, fencing fights are often portrayed inaccurately. In reality, rapiers were not used for frequent thrusting or deflecting, as modern fencing athletes do, and certainly not for cutting ropes, leather belts, or carving symbols. These are all movie inventions and special effects.
A rapier strike could be either rough and hard, or very careful and precise. They dodged the injections more often than repelled them. However, when the defense had to be blocked, then the enemy’s blade was pulled to the side, and after this a transition to a counterattack followed.
The effectiveness of rapiers in combat
Rapiers have unique ability carry out incredible, unpredictable and swift attacks. In addition, rapiers could deliver precise, swift, biting injections to the face, throat, eyes and teeth. And mainly on the hands to distract, provoke and wear down the enemy.
Rapid thrusts with rapiers, given their penetrating power, were lethal. Simple puncture wounds a few centimeters deep could lead to immediate death. You should know that with puncture wounds It was impossible to live long, because they did not drag on. However, this did not always lead to immediate death. When the heart or skull was not pierced, the warrior could still live for some time and even win in battle. However, he later died from blood loss and painful shock.
Chroniclers of past times often complained that with rapiers it was practically impossible to deliver a single decisive and lethal blow. They argued that people could easily resist after receiving several thrusts from a rapier. Judging by the historical records of fights using rapiers, this was the case. However, in primary sources there are a considerable number of examples that describe the instant death of people from quick and accurate injections.
Despite its exclusivity, rapier fencing techniques were still based on proven principles. These were carefulness in controlling the distance, prudence, and, naturally, good command of the weapon itself. Experienced fighters operating from these positions will be successful against broad swords. The main difference is not in the weapons, but in who, how and where they used them.
Fencers holding rapiers
Rapiers were always balanced and held in the hand so that the tip was controlled to deliver a precise thrust. The handles for the rapiers were made in such a way that injections by straightening the shoulder were made much more convenient. The original grip options made it easy to remove the rapier from its sheath by lifting your hand up.
At these moments, the thumbs lay in the middle of the crosses. Another grip option included a girth index finger crosses. With this grip thumb could lie on the butt.
What is the difference between training rapiers and real ones?
Real rapiers are extremely stiff. They were made to be easily pierced human bodies in battle. In addition, rapiers were supposed to deflect blows, and blades were not supposed to bend. To avoid this, the rapiers had a special cross-section.
As a result, the blades remained rigid and durable, and at the same time light and thin. And they were hardened in a special way to give them additional strength, while maintaining the required degree of flexibility. Whereas modern rapiers exhibit excessive flexibility.
This is the result of fencers' desire to have safe training weapons. It could bend to a certain level without breaking or penetrating into the bodies of opponents. Such flexibility is precisely inherent in sports fencing. Which in turn affects general opinion about rapiers, and also reinterprets the real techniques of fencing with them.
It so happened that the names of the components of bladed weapons, including swords, are given by the authors of the books to the extent of their promiscuity. Some names have multiple meanings. Namely: the “apple” is a spherical part at the top of the handle of a sword, and maybe the warhead of a mace, although the warhead of a mace has its own name “beat”. This confusion can be explained by the fact that the apple of a sword can also cause serious blows. There is also a contradiction between the definitions “hilt” and “hilt”; I believe that these are synonyms, but often only the part of the sword by which the sword is held is called the hilt. I believe that this part is called “Shaft”, old Russian word"black" is also suitable. There is also a slight confusion with the crosshair of a Turkish saber and the crosshair of a sword; crosshair is not a synonym for the word crosshair. But you will read about everything in order further, the new definition is marked with an asterisk “*”, when you click on it you will be taken directly to its definition; if you want to return to the previous block, then click the back button in the browser.
Sword samples:
Handle handle
End of the cross
Explanations
For bladed weapons: the total length, the length of the blade, the width of the blade at the base (if any - the width of the elmani, the width at the narrowing in the middle part) are measured; When weighing a weapon, the weight in the sheath and without the sheath is given. If the blade has a curvature, the curvature of the blade can also be measured. Usually, when this comes up, the authors propose the following method for measuring the curvature of the blade. An imaginary straight line is drawn between the tip of the blade and the point of connection between the butt and the hilt. A perpendicular is lowered onto it: a) from the extreme point of the arc of the blade (1st option), b) from the extreme point of the arc of the butt (2nd option). Then the distance from the point of connection of the perpendicular and the straight line to the tip is measured, and the maximum curvature of the blade is given as a fractional number, for example 65/280, in which the first number is the length of the perpendicular. The second measurement option does not objectively reflect the degree of curvature of the cutting edge of the blade - the blade. To be convinced of this, it is enough to look at some types of eastern bladed single-edged weapons, in which the butt of the blade is minimally removed from the straight line or even located on the other side of it, and the line of the blade is quite curved (kukri). Moreover, the curved blades of some oriental daggers do not have a spine at all. In this case, if the curvature indicator is displayed, the perpendicular falls to a straight line connecting the tip and the base point of the shorter blade.
The linear dimensions of the weapon are indicated in millimeters, weight - in grams.
V.N. Popenko. Edged weapons of East and West. Moscow. 1992.
Gerald Winland/ Swords Epee and Saber Collector's Handbook. M.: Trivium. 1991
Khorev V.N. Reconstruction of ancient weapons / V.N. Khorev. - Phoenix, 2006. - 249,
Emil Vollmer Werlag. Blanke Waffen.
Kwasniewicz Włodzimierz. Polish sabers. - St. Petersburg. Atlant Publishing House LLC 2005.
Kirpichnikov A. N. About the beginning of the production of swords in Rus' (Proceedings VI International Congress Slavic archaeology. T.4. M., 1998. S. 246-251)
Kirpichnikov A. N. Old Russian weapons. Issue 1. Swords and sabers (M.: Leningrad, 1966)
Forum My armory_
In the old days, his honor and life depended on the skill of a fencer. Today, weapons are used only for sports fights and even sometimes for fitness. To use it correctly, you should familiarize yourself with distinctive features each of them. The injection is the only way attacks for types such as epee and rapier. The difference between a saber is the ability to also strike. This suggests a significant difference in fencing technique. Each person has their own. Therefore, before starting to attend classes, you should familiarize yourself with the principles of using each type in a duel.
History of weapons
The prototype, different from today's sword and rapier, in the Stone Age is considered to be a stick that was picked up primitive for your protection.
A lot of time passed before the first type of weapon was transformed into something more similar to its modern varieties.
The sword appeared first. This happened back in the 2nd century BC. e. It was a heavy and sharp weapon on all sides, which could be used to stab, chop and cut. It was used in foot combat. But he was very inconvenient for battle on horseback.
Three centuries later, Asians invented sabers, which were successfully used for both horse and foot combat. In the 15th century, the sword and rapier appeared in Europe. Their difference from a saber was the great thinness of the blade. This allowed him to penetrate unprotected areas of warriors' armor. In Italy, such a weapon was called a “sword”, and in Spain - a “rapier”. The wounds inflicted by them were fatal in the case of a piercing blow and less dangerous in the case of cuts.
Historical sword
Epee (from Italian spada) - a derivative of cold sword piercing weapon. Its length ranged from 1 m or more. It consists of a one- or two-edged blade and a handle, which has a bow and a guard. The handle is called a hilt. The complex shape of the guard protects the fingers from blows.
Among the varieties of such weapons, it is worth noting the “court” sword that subsequently appeared. She was light weight. There was such a sword an integral attribute courtiers' clothes.
The French school of fencing shortened the blade of the weapon and turned it into a faceted blade. The rapier and sword, the differences of which were significant in the later period, also had an unsharpened blade and a very sharp point. The cavalry version of the sword ranged from 1 to 1.5 kg.
Weapon swords and rapiers also became civilian and were an attribute of nobles and rich people in Europe.
Sports sword
Modern epee, rapier, saber, the differences of which are important for the style of fencing, are considered only as sports weapons.
The sword has a length of 110 cm. Its weight is 770 g and above. The steel blade is quite flexible and has a triangular cross-section. The fencer's hand is protected by a round guard with a diameter of 13.5 cm. The main feature of a sports epee is the triangular cross-section of the blade, thinned towards the top. Maximum width edges is 24 mm.
In sports, the use of epee, foil or saber provides excellent tournaments for men and women. The tip of the sword is equipped with a sensor that responds to a pressure of 550 g. This registers an injection that can be applied to all parts of the athlete’s body except the back of the head. The device does not detect it if the pressure on the tip occurs 0.25 s later than the other. Therefore, in sword fencing there is no priority of actions. Simultaneously applied injections are awarded to both participants.
Historical rapier
The rapier and sword, the differences of which were determined back in the 16th century, were significantly different from the modern sporting weapons.
Rapier (from Spanish ropera) literally means “sword for clothing.” It was more often used for wearing with civilian clothes, since it was a lightweight version of the weapon. A rapier is less suitable for chopping than a sword. However, in the classic version, the non-sports variety had blades.
Rapiers were popular in the 16th century. In the 17th century they were replaced by short swords, which because of this began to weigh less.
The length of the historical rapier was up to 130 cm. The blade that characterized the weapon type was less than a meter. Swords and rapiers weighed more than sports swords.
Sports foil
Sports foils differ from swords in their parameters. So, the cross-section of the rapier is tetrahedral. The length of the blade is 90-110 cm, and the weight of the weapon does not exceed 500 g. The hand is protected by a metal guard with a diameter of 12 cm.
The blade proportionally decreases in cross-section towards the apex, which is equipped with a tip with a diameter of 6 mm.
For weapons used in competitions, the tip is a movable electrical contact device. It reacts to a thrust inflicted on the enemy. When the circuit is closed, the signal is sent through a wire that runs along the recess of the edge from the tip to the guard. Under the guard there is a connector to which a wire is glued.
In addition to the basic parameters, there is one more difference between a rapier and a sword. Sport allows you to use different tactics and combat techniques. It is the rapier that sometimes allows you to replace a straight handle with a figured one. This shape is called a “pistol” shape and allows you to avoid bending your wrist while gripping the handle.
Rapier fighting
Fencing with foils, sabers and epees involves organizing separate competitions for men and women. The rapier pressure for the tip to react must be 500g. Pricks are only counted if they are made into a metallized jacket.
II - rapier;
III - sword.
Weapons such as rapier, epee, saber, the differences in sport of which are quite significant, require separate consideration. Modern rule Foil fencing determines that the enemy's attack must be repelled before a response can be made. Therefore, action priority is important for this weapon. The advantage is determined by the referee, who stops the fight when the machine registers the hit.
It is also prohibited for fighters to collide with their bodies. Also, the fight stops if one of the participants ends up behind the other fighter. With the use of video replays in modern fencing, it has become possible to avoid the referee’s error when making a decision.
Historical saber
Epee, rapier, saber, the differences of which were formed due to historical technology combat, are still applicable today in sports competitions, taking into account their ancient features.
The saber is a chopping weapon that has In order to deliver piercing blows, warriors sharpened the top of the blade by 10 cm on both sides.
The saber appeared in the East and became widespread in the 7th-8th centuries. During this period it was a cutting-and-piercing type of weapon. By the 14th century it was already predominantly a chopping variety, having a relatively low weight and significant curvature of the blade. The displacement of the center of gravity from the hilt increased the force of the blow and the area of damage.
In the 16th century, sabers were used by dragoons, and in the 18th-19th centuries, a modified type of this weapon was used by hussars.
Sports saber
Fencing with swords, rapiers, and sabers even today takes into account those features of combat for which each type was used in the old days. Therefore, a sports saber is a blade with a trapezoidal cross-section.
The length of the steel blade reaches 105 cm. The weight of the saber is 500 g. The guard has a special shape that protects the fighter’s hand from the front and from above if he points the blade upward.
Strikes are allowed only in top part the fencer's torso, including arms (up to the wrist) and mask. The blow and injection are recorded by the device. The affected surface of the protective clothing has silver shavings, and the mask is in contact with the jacket.
Saber fighting is similar to rapier fencing with the right of priority when attacking. The only difference is the type of blow. They are not piercing, but cutting. At the same time, the battle becomes more dynamic.
Varieties of fencing
Today, depending on the type of fencing, saber, epee or rapier are used. Combat can be historical, artistic or sporting. Therefore, the type of weapon should be selected based on the purpose of its implementation.
Historical fencing is carried out to reconstruct a duel between two people or an entire group in the style of the chosen era with the appropriate weapon. Outwardly, these may not be the most beautiful sights, but they help restore the historical authenticity of events.
Artistic fencing also recreates historical concepts of combat. However, this view is more spectacular. This is a staged show and the enemy is, in fact, a partner. Light weapons are often used here.
Sports fencing is conducted with special swords, rapiers and sabers according to certain rules. Lighter versions of weapons are also used here.
How to choose a weapon
Having decided to take up fencing, you should determine which weapon is more acceptable for a person. This can be a saber, epee and rapier. The difference between combat techniques using each type is studied by a beginner during the first 3-4 months.
Every coach is sure that the type of fencing he teaches is the best, most technical and beautiful. Therefore, the chosen type of weapon must be loved. Every fencing master will teach this to a beginner from the very first lessons.
Not everyone will be able to try themselves in sparring or a training fight right away. Therefore, you should try various fencing techniques and only after a few months make a conclusion about the most suitable type of weapon for yourself.
It should also be noted that training swords, rapiers and sabers are somewhat different from electronic ones. Although, if you master fencing techniques and learn all the tactical and physical subtleties of this sport, such details will not interfere with your ability to prove yourself in competition.
And the rapier, the difference of which was formed under the influence of historical factors in combat, allows every novice fencer to choose the best type for himself. So, we can conclude: each type of weapon has its own unique capabilities and entertainment value.
A sword (or rapier) is a light and long, versatile, long-bladed weapon capable of cutting and stabbing. It is a sword with a narrow, fairly flexible blade, up to 1 meter long, with a straight handle with a pommel, with a complex guard of a wide variety of shapes, which provided good protection for the hand. Weighing up to 1.5 kilograms.
The sword is the same age as firearms. With the advent of the first cannons and rifles, armor ceased to be relevant, and with them it ceased to be relevant heavy sword, capable of cutting through or piercing armor. Gradually, one-handed swords are replaced by swords; this begins to happen in Spain in the mid-15th century. More precisely, in the 60s of the 15th century, nobles began to wear blades that were somewhat narrower than combat swords and had a more complex guard - arches appeared to protect the fingers, pas-dane rings (a ring on the side of the crossguard of a sword or dagger , located perpendicular to the axis of the blade), etc. These swords quickly spread among the nobility and nobles: they were lighter than swords, which made it possible to carry them with you all the time; and they turned out to be “more beautiful” - a gradual abandonment of armor (in particular, plate gloves, which made it difficult to use firearms), led to the development of complex guards on swords to protect the hand: baskets made of strips of metal, cups, plates with crosshairs and finger arches - these guards began to be decorated with gilding, stones, embossing, etc. And most importantly, swords made it possible, no worse than swords, to protect one’s life if necessary; they allowed one to successfully both attack and defend in battle. Gradually, the sword spread to almost all branches of the military, displacing the sword. Until the 18th century, the combat sword was in service with both infantry and cavalry, until it began to be replaced by the saber and broadsword. But it didn’t disappear completely. Even at the time of its dawn, the sword was divided into combat and civilian. Civilian swords were slightly lighter and narrower, often sharpened only near the tip. Such swords were worn as weapons - despite their lightness, such a sword was precisely a weapon, and as a piece of clothing. The military wore them in peacetime instead of military weapons, nobles and bourgeois in ceremonial attire, and some commoners. Even students had the right, and one might say the obligation, to wear swords. Almost until the 20th century, swords remained a part of ceremonial clothing for nobles, not a combat weapon for officers (in Russia until 1917, the sword was mandatory for cuirassier officers out of formation, generals), for civil officials during the parade (even officials of the Ministry of Education, Education , with ceremonial uniforms they wore swords), and weapons for duels. So, somewhere in the middle of the 19th century, the sword became a ceremonial, often reward, dueling and sporting weapon.
The sword and its appearance gave a powerful impetus to the development of the art of long fencing. bladed weapons. I don’t want to say that before that they used swords without training, as God pleases, but it was the lightness of the sword that made it possible to invent a whole variety of fencing techniques. Fencing schools emerged: Spanish, English, French, German and Italian, each of which had its own characteristics, and whose adherents argued about whose school was better. Textbooks on fencing are being written: for example, Ridolfo di Cappo Ferro "Gran Simulacro dell" arte e dell "uso della Scherma" (" Great Image art and practice of fencing") in 1610. In each country, knowledge of fencing is systematized and supplemented with something new. For example, the first epee fencing systems in Germany and Spain were focused on chopping techniques, and the principle of “killing with the point, not the blade” appeared in Italy only in the middle of the 17th century and, gradually, it was the Italian school that became dominant. Fencing became fashionable, it was studied in prestigious educational institutions. In the reigning houses, and not only, the position of fencing master - fencing teacher - appeared. The sword becomes a sign of a noble person, a nobleman, a bourgeois, sometimes a commoner, a defender of a person’s honor in a duel (not only for men, but also for women). Having lost honor, a person lost his sword - it was simply broken over the person’s head. The production of swords was located in the same places as the production of other bladed weapons. German Solingen, where world-famous examples of bladed weapons were made, English Sheffield, French Tire, Spanish Toledo. Blades were forged, metal handles and pommels were cast, guards could be stamped or welded. But if when making a sword it was enough to be a blacksmith, then a sword master had to be more versatile. Sword guards, and then blades, were decorated with embossing and carved patterns, gilding, ink, and setting gems And so on.
So, the sword itself: a long, relatively narrow blade, double-edged or having only a sharpened tip; one-handed straight handle with a massive pommel-counterweight; a complex guard that protects the hand well. By the way, it is different guards that are the criterion for the classification of swords created by Eworth Oakeshott. He distinguishes: guards woven from strips or rods - baskets; bowl guards in the form of a hollow hemisphere; plate guards - a slightly curved disc; loop guards - in the form of a simple arc that protects the fingers, and so on. Well, that's how it is.
Like almost any item that has been used for a long time, the sword has gone through a certain path of modification. Firstly, this concerned the blade - from a fairly wide double-edged one, to a thin faceted one, having only a sharp end. Secondly, this concerned the guard: from a simple cross with a finger arch, to a complex woven basket or a solid bowl, and again to a simple small disc. Historically, many researchers, Oakeshott, for example, divides swords into three types:
- reitschwert (literally “horseman’s sword”) - a heavy sword suitable for slashing attacks - it is what is called a “combat sword”. Appearing in the 15th century, this type of sword was the most popular in the cavalry of the 16th century, but from the 17th century it began to be replaced by sabers and broadswords. Although in some countries, Russia, Sweden, it was used in the 18th century both in cavalry and infantry.
- espada ropera (literally “clothing sword”) - intended to be worn with civilian clothing, slightly lighter and narrower than a combat sword, but with a double-sided sharpening. This type of sword was most popular in the 16th century, but from the middle of the 17th century it began to be replaced by even lighter swords.
- smallsword (literally “small sword”) - was an even lighter version of the sword with a shortened blade. Appearing in the middle of the 17th century under the influence of the French school of fencing at the end of the 16th century, it subsequently practically replaced other types of swords. It was this type that became the exclusively piercing type of sword, even with a blade it was inconvenient for them to cut due to their low weight. Most of these swords had a faceted hexagonal blade, which was replaced by a triangular section with fullers, which can still be seen in sports swords. By the way, the lightness of this type of sword made it possible to “painlessly” lengthen the blade and swords of almost one and a half meters in length appeared.
Well, now the second part of the topic: “Shaga or rapier?”
To begin with, a quote from “The Three Musketeers”: “... Athos burst out when he saw Cahuzac’s sword fly away twenty steps. D” Artagnan and Cahuzac simultaneously rushed after it: one to regain it, the other to take possession of it by her. D'Artagnan, more agile, reached first and stepped on the blade. Cahuzac rushed to the guardsman whom Aramis killed, grabbed his rapier and was about to return to d'Artagnan, but on the way he ran into Athos, who had managed to catch his breath in these short moments. .." So, judging by the text, albeit artistic, in one place, at one time and, practically, in one type of army, there are two types of weapons, judging by the name. Cahuzak loses his sword, and raises a rapier. What is it, mistake of the author or translator? Or do people from the same branch of the military have different weapons? Are swords and rapiers different? Let's try to figure it out. The most common opinion: a sword is a weapon that can cut and stab, a rapier is only a piercing weapon. A modern fencer, without hesitation, he will answer exactly the same: a rapier with a tetrahedral cross-section, without pronounced cutting edges, which allows only piercing blows, and a sword, which has a flat triangle in cross-section, with a hint of sharp edges that allow an accentuated chopping blow. But this is a sporting weapon. What about ancient weapons? If we turn to literature, fiction and scientific, we will see descriptions of chopping blows with a rapier or only the piercing technique of working with a sword. Sometimes a rapier is described as something double-edged and wide, and a sword as something narrow, only with a sharp end. More inconsistencies.
To understand, you need to look into history. More precisely, the first name of the sword. In Spain in the 15th century, the “espadas roperas” - “sword for clothing” appeared. Many researchers make two mistakes in translating this name: they translate “espadas roperas” or as “sword for civilian clothes”; or translated as “sword for clothes.” For example, such a translation is given by John Clements, well-known in historical fencing circles. And, based on this inaccurate translation, incorrect conclusions are drawn regarding the sword and rapier. But the word “espadas” comes from the Latin “spata” - sword, which was the name of the long cavalry sword ancient Rome. And “for clothing” we mean “clothing, not armor,” and not civilian clothing, since the concept of “civilian clothing” did not yet exist. Reading carefully “espadas roperas”, it is easy to see that the words “sword” and “rapier” are two parts of this name: “espadas” - sword, “roperas” - rapier. In many languages, these two names simply do not exist: in Spanish, all the weapons described above are called “espada”; in Italian - "spada"; in French - “epee”; The English use the word “sword” - sword: court sword - court sword, town sword - city sword, scarf sword - sword for sash, small sword - a small sword, to designate a sword in relation to more massive English swords; In German, the word “degen” refers to everything that we are accustomed to calling a sword or rapier. In practice, only in Russian these two names are used; in other languages they use only one: either “rapier” or “sword”. Yes, and these names are prefabricated, among swords or rapiers there are also proper names - papperheimer and Valonian sword, for example, comishelard - a type of sword in which 1/3 of the blade was much different greater width than the remaining 2/3. Even if these conclusions based on the analysis of names are erroneous, it is very difficult to argue with museum collections that contain exhibits with similar, clearly piercing-cutting blades, differing only in the shape of the guards, but called either swords or rapiers. Moreover, they were made in different countries and at different times, but for weapons, their changes and development, 20 years is a long time.
In the photo with various guards, all four types of weapons are called rapiers, despite the fact that only the 3rd and 4th blades can be called piercing, and the first two have pronounced cutting blades. Strange, isn't it?
Here are five types of blades: two clearly cutting, one something in between and two thin piercing. But they are all called rapiers.
So, we can safely make the assumption that the piercing-cutting light swords that appeared in Spain in the 15th century, which subsequently differed only in the design of the guard and the length of the blade, can be called both a sword and a rapier at the same time, and there is no mistake. Because, initially, a sword and a rapier are one and the same. And it is possible that the name rapier was the first. And confusion arose later, when “old” cutting-and-piercing rapier swords and “new” exclusively piercing rapier swords began to exist at the same time. Later, these names were assigned to sports weapons in order to emphasize the differences in the structure and operating principle of sports swords and rapiers. The most interesting thing is that it is quite difficult to prove or disprove my conclusions based on the works of weapons specialists, which is why I do not refer, for example, to von Winkler, Oakeshott or Beheim in this matter - their opinions on this issue are very different. And some researchers call swords or rapiers and estoks with konchars - exclusively piercing swords (although this is simply ridiculous - the sword appeared when armor began to disappear, and konchar or estok appeared to pierce this very armor), and ancient narrow Irish swords made of copper and bronze .
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