Rapier

Rapiers are a recurring weapon used in Early Europe in the 16th and 17th centuries. It is a slender, sharp-pointed sword ideal for thrusting.

Description
The word "rapier" generally refers to a relativley long-bladed sword characterized by a complex hilt which is constructed to provide protection to the wielder's hand in any other way. While the blade is broad enough to cut a a degree, it is not large enough to cause severe damage by just slashing. A rapiers design was originally made for dueling and fencing, but others saprked a new idea to use it as a sabre.

Hilt
Rapiers often have complex, sweeping hilts, designed to protect the hand wielding it. Rings extended foward from the crosspiece. Later these rings were covered with metal plates, thus creating cup hilts.