Student Work

The History of the Rapier

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At the end of the Middle Ages, weapons began to be used not only on the battlefield, but for civilian use as well. The rapier became the essential self-defense weapon of the "Renaissance man." This project explores the history, evolution, and manufacture of the rapier through history. This cut-and-thrust sword was manufactured by artisans who had to develop new methods of crafting metal in order to make the thin, light blade both durable and ductile. To study this process, a rapier was constructed using classical methods. Upon the completion of the replica, its material properties were studied using a surface microscope. The project also included contributing to the WPI - Arms and Armor website.

  • This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.
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Identifier
  • E-project-101313-104620
Keyword
Advisor
Year
  • 2013
Sponsor
Date created
  • 2013-10-13
Location
  • Worcester
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Last modified
  • 2020-12-31

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Permanent link to this page: https://digital.wpi.edu/show/4q77fr886