Classical spanish style rapier with perforated cup

Rapier is a common name for number of different types of medieval swords in XV-XVII. Actually, rapier is sword with a long, narrow blade and a basket or cup hilt for protection of hand. Early rapiers are, actually, longswords with the well protected hilt. In course of time the construction of rapiers became lighter and the blades became, lighter and shorter. Late examples of rapiers aren’t adapted for cuts strikes and are very similar to smallswords.

Even earlier rapiers are more adapted to thrusts than for cutting and cuts because of longer blade and the construction of the handle, compared to side-sword

In modern HEMA tournament fencing, rapiers are used in two nominations – solo rapiers without weapon in the second hand. And rapier-dagger: when a dagger with an additional protection of the hand is taken in the second hand. Sometimes the nomination rapier-buckler is occurred, but buckler is more often used with the side-sword.

Classical spanish rapier is stylization of early spainish rapier for destresa.
Such model is completed with classic «Spanish» cup for hand protection, and based on diamond style blade comfortable for thrusts, but still leave an opportunity for cuts.
Cup is decorated by holes of small diameter, which make sword lighter, with same level of protection and solid