What are the differences between the weapons?

The three weapons we offer are all very different, and were used in different periods. Each has a description below, with an image of it in use taken from a historical manuscript that we use to understand its use. 

Smallsword

The small sword (also called a court sword or dress sword) is a light, one-handed sword designed for thrusting. It was popular from the mid 17th to late 18th century, and was used as a personal defence weapon, a dueling weapon, and also a fashion accessory. Fencing styles vary from the surgical to the flamboyant, favouring nimble bladework over brute force.

Longsword

Longsword is the archetypical "Knight's sword", used primarily between the late 13th and early 16th centuries. In films it is usually shown as a brutish weapon, hacking at full armour with wild arcing swings, and using force over finesse. In reality, it's a nimble blade which can be used in either one or two hands, and is most commonly used against unarmoured opponents. Every part of the sword is used for offensive and defensive purposes, with the second hand used mostly for control rather than power. Pommel strikes, grappling and using the hilt to gain leverage on joints are all valid techniques as well as, of course, cutting and thrusting with the blade. 

Rapier

The Rapier, in popular imagination, is the weapon of swashbucklers, duellists, & musketeers, wielded by nobles & scoundrels alike. The weapon itself is, nowadays, considered to be a long, thrust-oriented, cut & thrust sword. It has a complex hilt to protect the hand & wrist. It's a mistake to think of the rapier as a light weapon, however in skilled hands it is a quick, nimble, & precise one. The source material for the use of the rapier dates from the 16th & 17th centuries, &, in keeping with the scientific ideals of the Renaissance, the theory & practice of the rapier relies on principles of leverage & geometry. In addition to the physicality of swordfighting, it rewards the ability to think & to apply those principles under pressure. The rapier is often used with a dagger or cloak in the off hand, occasionally with a buckler or a larger shield. All in all, it's exciting, challenging, demanding & rewarding, but above all else it's a hell of a lot of fun.