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The debate between the rapier and longsword is a hot topic in the sword community. Both are deadly weapons from history, each featuring different techniques and fighting styles. So, which is better in a duel between the two? Well, both have their advantages and disadvantages. Let’s take a closer look at rapier vs. longsword.
Design
Despite all their differences, rapiers and longswords share about 20% of their design. They both include a double-edged blade, a handle, guard, pommel, and ricasso (unsharpened part). The 80% difference lies in the sizes and shapes that change completely, including fighting style.
The concept of a rapier is a long, needle-like blade with a sharp tip and a one-handed handle with an elaborate guard, often featuring rings or a cup. Longswords, on the other hand, feature a broader blade with a two-handed handle and a simple guard. That being said, all these differences translate into specific pros and cons when dueling.
Rapier Pros and Cons
The rapier was developed in the 16th century during the Renaissance, primarily for self-defense and one-on-one dueling or fights. Its longer blade helped keep opponents at a distance, and in combination with proper footwork, it could deliver deep thrusts into the body with maximum precision. It was lightweight and quick to maneuver during combat. The elaborate guard also provided excellent protection for the hand, often blocking opposing blades during clashes.
The disadvantage of a functional rapier is the blade itself. Its thinner profile is often too flexible, making it nearly impossible to block attacks or penetrate armor. It can easily be deflected by heavier blades. Even though rapiers are designed for both cutting and thrusting, delivering effective cuts during a fight can be extremely challenging.
Longsword Pros and Cons
I don’t know if I should consider longswords as the most iconic swords of all time; however, I think they are the second most effective after bastard swords. The longsword was a prominent weapon in medieval Europe designed for battlefield combat, but not exclusively. It was also a weapon of choice in single combat and self-defense.
The advantages of a longsword are: good reach, versatility during fighting, and effectiveness for both cutting and thrusting against armored and unarmored opponents. Knights would primarily use it with two hands but could also wield it with one when needed, such as when extending the arm to thrust. They also used the blade to block or deflect attacks.
Against armored troops, the longsword provided additional techniques like half-swording or using its pommel for a “mordstreich” (murder strike). The downside of a longsword lies mostly in its weight. Its broader design makes it heavier and harder to use with one hand; however, with two hands, it can be nearly as fast as a rapier. It is less precise, harder to control and maneuver, especially when you make a mistake and need to recover quickly.
So, Which Sword is The Best?
Before some time I saw two Hema practitioners at the same level dueling – one with a longsword, the other with a rapier. The results were actually very close(with fencing rules). One thing I always emphasize in sword comparisons, or when trying to conclude which sword is best, is that what matters most is how skilled and prepared the wielder is.
This case demonstrates that perfectly. In a real single combat duel where both fighters wear normal clothes, I would say the outcome depends entirely on which swordsman is better. However, if a knight in armor were fighting a musketeer, the knight would completely dominate.
Last Words
In the end, rapiers are light, flexible, and great for control and precision, while longswords are strong and versatile, perfect for power and adaptability. Both are incredible—it just comes down to the swordsman’s skill!
Want to see more comparisons? We’ve got a few others for you.
