The preferred style of personal combat in Europe during Shakespearian time used two weapons ...

– a long, slender sword called a rapier in one hand, accompanied by a large dagger in the other hand.The rapier was primarily the offensive weapon for fighting at long to middle distances, while the dagger was used for parrying and for thrusting in close quarters. With rapier play, fencing started to rely more on the thrust for offence, although rapiers still had edges for cutting. As such the rapier represents an evolutionary stage between the broadsword and the lighter smallsword. The rapier was mostly a civilian weapon, designed for duelling and self-defence.