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WABUKAN Arsenal · Swords · Europe

Smallsword

The light court sword of the 18th century. Modern fencing, especially the foil, grew from its training.

Smallsword
Smallsword WABUKAN illustration

Also known as

épée de cour · court sword; épée de cour; espadim

Origin and history

The smallsword replaced the rapier as the gentleman’s sword from the late 17th century to the end of the 18th. Light and fast, it shaped French classical fencing; Domenico Angelo’s The School of Fencing (1763) is a famous manual.

Martial arts that use it

Olympic Fencing HEMA

Construction

A short, light blade (about 80 cm), often triangular in section for stiffness, used almost only for the thrust, with a small shell guard and knuckle bow.

Basic techniques

Training

Beginners learn grip, posture and footwork first, then cutting and thrusting lines in solo forms or drills, usually with a wooden or blunt trainer. Paired drills with a partner come next, at slow speed, before any free sparring with protective gear.

Safety

Train with wooden, blunt or club-approved trainers; keep live blades for experienced practitioners under supervision. Check the blade, handle and fittings before every session, keep a clear space of at least two weapon lengths and never cut towards people.

Legality (general information)

Swords, knives and other edged weapons are regulated very differently from country to country (and sometimes from region to region): owning one at home is often allowed, while carrying it in public, buying it under a certain age or importing it may be restricted or banned. Practitioners usually transport them cased, out of reach and straight between home and dojo. This is general information, not legal advice: check the law where you live.

Did you know?

The smallsword was worn as part of formal dress, and many surviving hilts are jewellery-quality work.

More weapons

Foil Épée Sabre Gladius Montante Falcata

Sources

Original WABUKAN text, written from these cross-checked sources (facts, not sentences).

  1. Wikipedia — Small sword
  2. Wikipedia — Domenico Angelo