Editing Rapier (section)

=== Hilt ===
Rapiers often have complex, sweeping hilts designed to protect the hand wielding the sword. Rings extend forward from the crosspiece. In some later samples, rings are covered with metal plates, eventually evolving into the cup hilts of many later rapiers.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Valentine |first1=Eric |title=Rapiers: An Illustrated Reference Guide to Rapiers of 16th & 17th Centuries with Their Companions |date=1968 |pages=49–50 |publisher=Stackpole Books |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qIoHofkrXSgC&q=cup+hilt+rapiers |access-date=23 November 2023}}</ref> There were hardly any samples that featured plates covering the rings prior to the 1600s. Many hilts include a knuckle bow extending down from the crosspiece protecting the grip, which was usually wood wrapped with cord, leather or wire. A large [[Hilt#Pommel|pommel]] (often decorated) secures the hilt to the weapon and provides some weight to balance the long blade.
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