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The Rapier - The first weapon we teach
here at Bankeside. This weapon was used on the field of honor to settle
disputes between gentlemen in the 16th and 17th centuries. The blades
range in size of 37 to 41 inches and some surviving historical examples
can be found in upwards to five or six feet in length. The use of
this weapon was primarily to thrust, though most had an edge to create
cuts. As a result, this weapon was completely useless on the battlefield
suited more for duelling. Frequently, this weapon was decorated when
made making this sword not only a deadly weapon in the hands of an
expert, but a mark of distinction for the renaissance gentleman. |
| Parrying Dagger - A 12
to 18 inch long secondary weapon used in conjunction with the rapier.
Called by the French as the "Main Gauche" (literally meaning left
hand), this companion was used as a means of defense, putting aside
your opponents blade. However, can be used as a secondary means of
offense as well if close enough to your opponent. |
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Buckler - Another companion
to the sword, the buckler was a small, easily manuverable shield meant
to knock or beat aside an opposing blade. Generally ranging in size
from between nine and 18 inches, this metal shield can be used to
'punch' the arm or the face of your opponent. |
| Broad and Backsword -
A military style weapon used on the battlefields of Europe for centuries.
These types of weapons were wielded one handed and are often referred
to as 'short swords'. A broad sword had two edged while a backsword
had only one making the backsword a favored weapon of mounted forces
since the triangular cross section made it easier to hew through your
opponent. Eventually, basket hilts were designed by the English in
1580 which enabled the hand to resist most hits. This style of hilt
was used well into the 18th and 19th centuries. |
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Longsword - Another military
weapon used on the battlefields, the longsword (often also called
hand-and-a-half or bastard swords) are lightweight enough to be used
one handed but if wield with both hands give far greater power in
the blows. |
| Smallsword - A smaller,
lighter version of the rapier, this duelling weapon saw it's heyday
in the 18th and early 19th centuries. This weapon was meant purely
for thrusting and generally had no edge with some blades being triangular
in cross section. Smallsword play eventually evolved into to sport
of modern fencing that we know today |
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Quarterstaff - A hardwood
pole of length ranging from seven and nine feet in length. Quarterstaffing
was done with the staff held at the last quarter of the weapon. This
gave the advantage of keeping your opponent at a distance as well
as the ability to deliver crippling or fatal blows to your adversary. |
