The rapier is most well known as a dueling sword. Its slim tapered blade allows for quick slashes as well as skewering the opponent. It is most often used as a thrusting weapon despite its double edges. A typical example would have a relatively long and slender blade of 2.5 centimeters or less in width, 1 meter or more in length and ending in a sharply pointed tip. Duelers today have a safety device attached to the tip to prevent stabbing the opponent.
During the time of the rapier, the 16th century, many different rapier forms were created, both to show off the swordsmith's artistry and to provide the wielder with different offensive options. Some of these specialized weapons had extremely long blades in an attempt to gain reach over an opponent in a fight. There were even some rapiers made with extra-thick and extra-long ricassos to assist in parrying the blows of broader blade swords. Other specialized rapiers had their tips flattened and widened to permit a sharper cutting edge. This allowed the favored technique of delivering a quick facial slash with a motion from the wrist. Other forms included wavy edges or saw-like edges. Other unique rapier designs included ones with spike pommels as well as highly ornate and decorative hilts or blades with perforated holes and even with single-shot pistols built-in.
Rapiers often had complex, sweeping hilts designed to protect the hand wielding the sword. Rings extended forward from the crosspiece. Later these rings were covered with metal plates, eventually evolving into the cup hilts of the later rapiers. A knuckle bow extended back from the crosspiece protecting the hilt which was usually wood wrapped with leather or wire. A decorated pommel secured the hilt to the weapon and provided a balance to the long blade.
The most common place to see such swords would be in period pieces in the movies. For example, rapiers were used extensively in the movies "The Three Musketeers." Other movies include "Rob Roy", "The Princess Bride", and of course "Robin Hood". All of these would be classified as "period pieces". While they used the weapons, the correct usage (fighting skills) are most likely not accurate but merely dramatized.
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