New Youth Q&A Article: All About Rapiers

[Webmaster]

A new article is now available in the ARMA Youth section posing questions and answers about the rapier. Set some time aside folks, it's a big one, but well worth the read.

Questions and Answers About the Rapier

[Casper Bradak]

A very good FAQ for anyone, not just youths. Check it out.

[Stuart McDermid]

Excellent article John. Great work.

I do have one point of disagreement though (probably unsurprisingly to those that know me;)) strongly related to my Anglocentric tendencies. <img src="/forum/images/icons/smile.gif" alt="" />

The smallsword was a more poised, somewhat formalized, dueling weapon whose teachings involved as much deportment and composure as it did technique.

If you read Hope McBane or Wyld, you have the smallsword being taught as part of a true martial art including it's use against other weapons along with methods of closing and disarming.

To sum up my point economically, I find that English and Scots manuals are most often alot less formalised that continental manuals and have far more of a self defence focus as well as being far more targeted at the reader who doesn't have 2 hours per day to practice.

French smallsword manuals fit your above description well. I feel that English and Scots manuals really don't. Once again I congratulate you on a well written and researched article.
Cheers,
Stu.

[John_Clements]

Hi Stew,
I don't disagree re Hope and McBane's no nonsense and pragmatic attitudes. I imagine there were others who held the same viewes. Yet, the origins of the rapier within French court mannerisms and culture precede them and that is where the weapon's destiny ended. I imagine Hope and McBande would have found earlier swords and rapiers to the liking far more than Angelo.

Anyway, thanks for your kind comments. I'm glad you liked it. I hope youth readers find it useful.

JC