Categories

Rapiers

Experience the elegance of the renaissance with our rapier swords collection - shop now!

The term “rapier” comes from the Spanish term espada ropera or “sword of the robes,” meaning they were primarily civilian weapons. These swords were faster and lighter in comparison to the others that came before them but far from the stylish blades depicted in television and cinema. In fact, rapiers were closer to medieval swords that preceded them and featured a slender body, a blade over an inch thick, and a heavy quillion. The shape of the rapier swords made them excellent for thrusting strokes and, in the right hands, they were deadly tools. 

The rapier collection at Museum Replicas includes an array of blades inspired by these beautiful weapons of the Renaissance. There are several great swords. If you are looking for the archetypal Renaissance rapier then check out the Swept Hilt Rapier, which was very popular during the late 16th and early 17th century. Another rapier takes inspiration from the ones used by the French Musketeers in the late 16th century. 

More than other sword types, the rapier lends itself to aesthetically pleasing designs, as you will see in our selection. The hilts and the pommels are beautifully crafted and so are the grips. High carbon steel has been used to make the blades.


Top Customer Reviews

Review of: Battlecry Espada Ropera

Love this sword. Its blade isn’t as long as some others like the Musketeer rapier, making it easier to draw and wield.  The craftsmanship is superb. Definitely pricey but I think it’s worth the quality.
Reviewed by: Robert, December 05, 2023

Review of: The Christus Imperat Rapier

I'm really impressed with the aesthetics of this sword. It's a bit heavy, but nicely balanced. With a little work, it took an edge capable of cutting light targets. Fit and finish is very, very good. The blade, while reasonably stiff, does "sag" a bit under it's own weight. My only significant "con" is that the diamond cross sections of the guard create a lot of sharp edges that cut into the fingers, so you will probably want to round them off in key spots and/or wear gloves.
Reviewed by: Michael, June 26, 2021

Review of: The Christus Imperat Rapier

This is my favorite rapier!  It's very unusual in having a historically-long blade length in a reproduction (they usually foreshorten them), but if you look at the treatises' advice on length, it's just right for my 5'10" body (quillons at the navel with the point on the ground, or end of the fingertips when held with the quillons at opposite shoulder).

The blade is flexible, but not excessively whippy - it supports its own weight when held horizontally, and can thrust through thick cardboard and return to true when flexed moderately.  The balance is very close to the quillons - less than two-inches from them - so the balance is very thrust-oriented and consistent with historical designs.  This wouldn't be a great cutting sword, but it's outstanding in the bind against other weapons and provides a great understanding of how the originals would have been used.

Presentation is outstanding.  The blade engraving is really good, and very accurate to the original.  The quillons and the guard are crafted very nicely - the guard itself is very faithfully reproduced and the grip is excellent.  A great display-piece which sits over my mantle.
Reviewed by: Michael, July 11, 2020

Review of: The Christus Imperat Rapier

The workmanship of this sword is outstanding.  Along with the beauty of it.
Reviewed by: Edward, August 19, 2019

Review of: The Christus Imperat Rapier

One of my favorite rapiers. Simple, yet elegant. Light & nimble. My only gripe was that the leather scabbard must have had some moisture in the leather as it caused the blade to begin to ry=uat at the ricasso. I now leave it out of the scabbard.
Reviewed by: John, August 01, 2019

Review of: The Christus Imperat Rapier

This Rapier is very well done, the hilt is amazing looking and tightly constructed. The writing on the blade is nice and clean, the blade itself is a bit flexible but not nearly enough to ruin the sword. The balance is very good and feels great in the hand, finish on the guard is very nice as well.
Reviewed by: Francis, January 17, 2019

Review of: The Christus Imperat Rapier

This is the very first purchase I have made from museum replicas and I could not be happier. This is a very nice addition to my renaissance outfit and always seems to get noticed. The balance of the whole peice I actually very good. Just slightly more weight on the blade but not very noticeable. Would also be a great wall hanger and I may hang it over my mantel in the den.
Reviewed by: Charles, September 23, 2018

Review of: The Christus Imperat Rapier

My first purchase from Museum Replicas.  Absolutely beautiful.  Came in time for Christmas thanks to excellent customer service from the company.  Exceeded my expectations.  Beautiful workmanship; styling; feel and balance.  This is the first of many purchases to come.
Reviewed by: Michael, December 28, 2017

Review of: The Christus Imperat Rapier

Another beautiful blade
Reviewed by: michael, October 06, 2017

Review of: The Christus Imperat Rapier

Beautiful workmanship, nice balance, perfectly tempered. This blade is exactly what I'd hoped it would be. Some reviews I've read say the blade is too flimsy. I disagree. It's firm but flexible, exactly the way a working rapier should be. I highly recomend it. I may buy a second one.
Reviewed by: , August 27, 2017