[eldertree]

Originally Posted by rapier17

The rapier started life as a light short sword for artillery crews, auxillary soldiers, members of armies who didn't do much hand to hand fighting but carried a light weapon for personal defence on the offchance that if they were suddenly in melee then they'd have something to defend themselves with.
Time goes on, light weight, slender blades became the fashion - easy to carry due to light weight, easier for the average person to use, once again the lighter weight means it requires less strength, and also they could be decorated as ceremonial/fashionable accessories. That the weapon is light, graceful and elegant it became the 'Gentlemans' weapon, as it didn't have a big thick cleaver of a blade.
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A very nice summary. I'm smarter now. Thank you, Rapier .