Crossword Genius

The weapons are a knock out, sire! (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

rapiers

'the weapons' is the definition.
(rapier is a kind of weapon)

'a knock out sire' is the wordplay.
'a knock' becomes 'rap' (synonyms).
'out' indicates anagramming the letters.
'sire' with letters rearranged gives 'iers'.
'rap'+'iers'='RAPIERS'

'are' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for rapiers that I've seen before include "Double-edged swords" , "Straight swords with narrow blades" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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