Smallsword
Smallsword
The smallsword gradually replaced the rapier as the sword every European gentleman carried, beginning in the middle of the 17th century, and continuing until swords were no longer a normal part of a gentleman's dress. It is also the first truly "civilian" sword, in that it was clearly distinct from the backsword or sabre. As Captain John Godfrey wrote in his 1747 A TREATISE Upon the Useful Science of Defence, Connecting the SMALL and BACK-SWORD, And showing the Affinity between them, "The Small-Sword is the Call of Honour, the Back-Sword the Call of Duty." This section of the Swordschool Wiki brings together historical sources, modern interpretations, practical training advice, and supporting resources for students and researchers alike.
Historical Systems
We primarily study the smallsword fencing of Domenico Angelo (1716-1802), through his treatise l'Ecole des Armes (1763). This was later published in English translation as The School of Fencing in 1787. Other notable smallsword authors include Sir William Hope, Le Sieur de Liancour, Donald McBane, P.J.F. Girard, Guillaume Danet, Giuseppe Rosaroll-Scorza, and Pietro Grisetti.
Training
Getting Started:
Related Weapons
Smallsword training overlaps naturally with several other disciplines. To see where it came from, study rapier; to see where it went, study foil; to see how the same principles apply to a heavier cutting sword, study backsword.
Books and Courses
Further study
