Saber vs. Rapier — What's the Difference?

A heavy cavalry sword with a one-edged, slightly curved blade.

A rapier () or espada ropera is a type of sword with a slender and sharply-pointed two-edged blade that was popular in Western Europe, both for civilian use (dueling and self-defense) and as a military side arm, throughout the 16th and 17th centuries. Important sources for rapier fencing include the Italian Bolognese group, with early representatives such as Antonio Manciolino and Achille Marozzo publishing in the 1530s, and reaching the peak of its popularity with writers of the early 1600s (Salvator Fabris, Ridolfo Capo Ferro).

A light dueling or fencing sword having an arched guard covering the hand and a tapered flexible blade with a cutting edge on one side and on the tip.

A long, slender, two-edged sword with a cuplike hilt, used in the 1500s and 1600s.

To hit, injure, or kill with a saber.

A light, sharp-pointed sword lacking a cutting edge and used only for thrusting.

To remove the tip of (a Champagne bottle) by swiping a saber or similar instrument along the bottle's seam until it hits the lip at the bottle's tip. The pressure inside the bottle causes the tip of the glass and the cork to shoot off together.

A slender, straight, sharply pointed sword (double-edged, single-edged or edgeless).

(American spelling) sabre

Extremely sharp.

(American spelling) sabre

Cutting; employing keen wit.

A sword with a broad and heavy blade, thick at the back, and usually more or less curved like a scimiter; a cavalry sword.

A straight sword, with a narrow and finely pointed blade, used only for thrusting.

To strike, cut, or kill with a saber; to cut down, as with a saber.

A straight sword with a narrow blade and two edges

A fencing sword with a v-shaped blade and a slightly curved handle

A stout sword with a curved blade and thick back

Cut or injure with a saber

Kill with a saber