So you’ve just picked up a replica or battle-ready rapier; congratulations! Now’s the fun part, learning what you can and can’t do with it, safely. 

That’s why we’ve compiled this list of 8 ways to prevent damage to your rapier, which applies more or less to both battle-ready swords as well as to those that are intended only for display.

• Don’t use it for live cutting practice, even if it is battle ready. Rapiers are designed for thrusting, and while they can be used for slashing attacks, the blade really lacks the mass necessary to be effective when doing so. 
• If you do use it for live cutting practice, only use suitable targets. Soft targets are best with live-cutting practice and some good examples include fruits and vegetables, paper targets and cardboard, hanging ropes, rolled mats, and water-filled bottles, which make some of the best targets of all. 
• Don’t store it in its scabbard. Storing a sword in its scabbard, rapier or otherwise, can trap moisture next to the blade, which can accelerate rust. Whether displaying your sword or not, store it out of its scabbard to avoid this issue.
• Don’t stick the point into the ground. Rapiers have fragile blades as it is. Do not stick your rapier’s tip in the ground. You will dull the edge, and you could break the tip. 
• Don’t strike hard objects with it. If you do use your rapier for live cutting practice, do not strike any hard objects with it or you will damage the edge, if not worse. 
• Don’t touch the blade. If your rapier has a battle-ready blade, chances are that it’s not stainless. The salts and oils in your skin can damage the blade or cause etching or a premature patina. If you can, avoid touching the blade. 
• Don’t forget to periodically oil the blade. Every once in a while, apply a drop or two of oil to both sides of the blade to insulate it against rust and corrosion. You can also use microcrystalline wax, which will last longer than oil while providing the same if not a better level of protection. 
• Don’t display it anywhere in which it will be subjected to chronic high humidity. You can more or less store your rapier anywhere in your home, but don’t pick a place where it will be subject to constant high humidity, like the kitchen or laundry room (not that you’d do that anyway). In these rooms, there’s a good chance the blade will rust. 

In the Market for a New Rapier to Display in Your Home?

Rapiers are beautiful swords with ornate hilts and make some of the best display pieces of any weapon from history. Of course, you will still need to know where you can get one. 

If you’re in the market for a rapier, check out BUDK first. They carry a wide range of replica swords and battle-ready swords and weapons and there is a whole dedicated collection of rapiers on their website.

For more information about Lock Pick Set and Bayonets Please visit: BudK Worldwide Inc.