The Smallsword was primarily a civilian sword used throughout Europe, England and North America from the mid 17th century through the late 18th century. This very light single-handed thrusting weapon typically had a blade with a hollow ground triangular cross section^* and a length ranging from 27 to 33 inches. These swords also had a small guard (Coquille) along with vestigial quillons, annelets (rings) and a knuckle-bow.

The Smallsword was both an important status symbol (part of a gentleman's dress) and a very effective weapon in self-defense or the duel. Many of the techniques used with this weapon are almost exclusively French in origin and are predecessors to and recognizable in sport fencing. Other techniques were also developed that were more combative in nature for effectiveness outside the fencing salle and against other potentially heavier weapons.

At the club, we use swords with a straight handle and small guard mounted with a 30 or 32-inch sport epee blade. The sport blade has sufficient weight and stiffness for historically accurate movement while retaining flexibility on contact with your opponent. This reduces the protective gear requirements while allowing for full speed fencing and full thrusts.

Our uniform for fencing Smallsword is a modern fencing mask, jacket and a pair of leather gloves.

The foremost principle of Smallsword fencing is not to be hit. The whole body is valid target and if one is hit in the head, neck or torso, that might immediately end the fight whereas hits to the arms or legs may allow it to continue.

In Smallsword, two tempo actions became more common (parry then reposte) but the reposte as well as attacks frequently were with opposition. An opponent may attempt a counter action but, if both combatants are hit, both lose so it is essential that you protect yourself even if your attack is successful.

The sword blade itself is both the primary offensive and defensive tool but the pommel or knuckle-bow can be used (just mimed; no contact in our play) and the non-sword hand may be used for parrying or disarming an opponent.

When sparring, we require a solid hit to count, not just a "touch" as in modern sport fencing. Also, we generally count "after blows" (there are many examples of combatants continuing to fight after they were stabbed).

Period sources include works published by Girard, L'Abbat, William Hope, Donald McBane and Domenico Angelo.

* While the hollow ground blade cross section was common in later versions of the Smallsword, a variety of cross sections were used and military and earlier versions sometimes had sharpened edges. Another common configuration was the "Colichemarde" that featured a wide forte for about 1/3 of the blade length with the remainder of the blade tapered drastically toward the point.