17th century training rapier?

Philip · 9th June 2017, 07:52 PM

Thanks for sharing this one. Looking at the tip of your sword, it seems to me that it got rounded as a result of combat damage, and quick re-grinding to make a usable point -- a radiused tip like that is still dangerous if an edge is made all round it.

I would like to draw your attention to Tobias Capwell's excellent book, THE NOBLE ART OF THE SWORD: FASHION AND FENCING IN RENAISSANCE EUROPE (London, Wallace 2012), specifically the chapter "Blunted and Balled -[ Safety in the fencing school". Two examples of training swords are shown. Their tips are expanded into either a button, or a "ball" with a very blunt conical face. These expansions are large enough that the sword won't fit a conventional scabbard, and although they will cause a bruise if a touche made contact, they can't pierce clothes and skin. I think that the tip of your sword is a bit more dangerous than that.

9th June 2017, 07:52 PM	#2
Philip Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: California Posts: 1,036	Thanks for sharing this one. Looking at the tip of your sword, it seems to me that it got rounded as a result of combat damage, and quick re-grinding to make a usable point -- a radiused tip like that is still dangerous if an edge is made all round it. I would like to draw your attention to Tobias Capwell's excellent book, THE NOBLE ART OF THE SWORD: FASHION AND FENCING IN RENAISSANCE EUROPE (London, Wallace 2012), specifically the chapter "Blunted and Balled -[ Safety in the fencing school". Two examples of training swords are shown. Their tips are expanded into either a button, or a "ball" with a very blunt conical face. These expansions are large enough that the sword won't fit a conventional scabbard, and although they will cause a bruise if a touche made contact, they can't pierce clothes and skin. I think that the tip of your sword is a bit more dangerous than that.