Companion weapon

The term companion weapon is used in historical European martial arts to refer to an item used in conjunction with the larger weapon in the non-sword hand while fencing with a rapier or sword. The popular companion weapon forms include:

• sword and buckler
• sword/rapier and parrying dagger
• rapier and cloak

Twin swords, made to fit in one scabbard. One of the swords is used offensively, and that other as main gauche

In most cases the off-hand weapon is used to deflect or parry.

See also

• Daishō
• Retiarius