Sigh...yes and no, Sean.
I’ve written about this at length before.
On the one hand, we need to use very stiff non flexible rapiers in order to get the correct blade play to affect proper rapier movements and foyning techniques.
On the other, while we are making good point contact in rapier, we still don’t know if for sure a "particular" thrust would have been instantly debilitating or incapacitating and how long the opponent might continue fighting on after a “particular” wound --same for the minor harassing punctures and lacerations --which we can’t really simulate with a rapier to any realistic effect in sparring.
My research then, for some time has been aimed toward just how it was that 16th century schools actually taught rapier and how they employed free play as a learning tool? They foiled their points we know, and they avoided the face (no masks), but we no little else.
JC
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