09-02-2015, 01:39 AM
(09-02-2015, 01:35 AM)Davepeta Wrote:(09-02-2015, 01:34 AM)Flarezerker Wrote: That isn't a rapier. There is clearly a double-sided cutting edge, and as you can see, the handguard is in the style of a European longsword, making it much more likely to be a broadsword. I wouldn't want to stab with that! Throw you off balance.You wouldn't want to cut with it either. It's too thin and long.
Being thin counter-balances the normal weight of a sword (assuming it isnt some sort of space energy sword), and not only does the length grant an advantage to a short-medium range fighter, it has a larger surface area allowing for easier blocking. Furthermore, a longsword (or greatsword) was not designed to cut, but more to smash through, despite it having a cutting edge. On top of that, from what I understand, the knights of the Middle Ages used a combination of stiff and ''soft'' swings, allowing for surprising flexibility, as well as rarely swinging with one hand (such as on horseback).