Types of Swords Used in Fencing

Fencing is an Olympic sword-fighting sport that has its roots in ancient Egypt. Though also popular in ancient Greece and Rome, the modern incarnation of the sport originated in Spain in the 15th century and was cultivated in Germany and Italy. Today, there are three types of fencing swords. Each corresponds to a different fencing discipline that has its own set of rules and strategies. Scoring is done electronically in all three fencing sports.

  1. Foil

    • The foil is a modern version of the swords nobles once used to train for duels. Of the three weapons, it has played the most important role in the development of the sport. The 35-inch blade of the foil is rectangular and extremely flexible. It weighs less than a pound and is considered the most balanced of the three fencing swords. Its flexibility allows foil fencers to attack their opponents from unusual and complicated angles.

      In foil fencing, the target area includes the entire torso. Scoring involves making contact with the tip of the sword.

    Epee

    • Epee means "sword" in French. It is the most realistic of the swords and is reminiscent of the weapons used in duels. The epee is roughly the same length as the foil but typically weighs about 27 ounces, which makes it the heaviest of the swords. The blade of the epee is thicker and stiffer than that of the foil, and it is fluted. The handle of the blade accounts for most of the weight.

      The rules and strategies employed in epee fencing closely resemble those of a duel. Accordingly, the target area includes the entire body. Scoring, however, requires making contact with the tip of the sword using a thrusting motion and at least 750 grams of pressure.

    Saber

    • The saber sword is the lightest of the three fencing swords, though similar to the foil in length and weight. Its design evokes the traditional slashing swords used in cavalry. The saber has evolved to feature a perfectly straight blade. Its guard covers the hand completely.

      Saber fencing is meant to simulate a sword fight on horseback. Therefore, the target area is limited to any part of the body above the waist, including the head and the arms, but not the hands. Unlike in the other two disciplines, in saber fencing it is possible to score hits with the edge of the sword as well as with the tip. A light graze is often enough to score.