That the cause that many are so often slain, and many sore hurt in fight with long rapier is not by reason of their dangerous thrusts, nor cunning of that Italianated fight, but in the length and unwieldiness thereof.
It's an undeniable truth that individuals wielding short swords can execute striking, thrusting, feinting, and doubling maneuvers more perilously due to the proximity and agility these weapons offer, even more so than with long rapiers. However, when two engage in combat using short swords with genuine technique, no harm ensues. It's logically implausible for any injury to occur between them on either side, a fact well understood by those who have attained mastery in authentic combat. This fact unequivocally demonstrates that the substantial casualties and various injuries inflicted by long rapiers do not stem from their extended reach, hazardous thrusts, or the intricacies of Italian fighting techniques. Instead, the underlying cause lies in the impractical length and unwieldiness of these long rapiers. Consequently, they often find themselves incapable of timely defensive actions and consistently vulnerable to any crossing motion executed with their rapier blades. When such crossing occurs within half the length of a rapier, unless both parties swiftly agree to disengage (a rare occurrence among valiant combatants), untangling or escaping, or avoiding dagger thrusts becomes an insurmountable challenge. Instances of this nature have tragically unfolded many times among courageous participants skilled in these weapons.[1]
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[1] The length of a rapier means that it is harder to use than a short sword, dagger, any of the light weapons. This period of rapier averaged in blade length from 42 inches to 48 inches -- as long as a longsword or some bastard swords. The only reason it's a different weapon is the drastic changes in the blade -- not as sharp, smaller, and with a better designed thrusting tip. The rapier was not a light weapon in use, practice, or mechanics. The long rapier is also harder to draw, less convenient to wear, heavier to carry. If the opponent gets past the point and comes in close, you can't pull the point back to in front of their body to thrust (so have a dagger in the other hand).
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