Different Fencing Swords

Since the first modern Olympic game in 1896, fencing is the only sport to be included in every game. Fencing schools usually teach fencing using the three weapons used in Olympic events: the foil, epee, and sabre. Fencers all over the world study the art of fencing in hopes of improving agility, speed or even becoming one of few Olympic gold medalists. If you are interested in fencing, you should first understand the common weapons used.

  1. Foil

    • Originally used as a practice weapon, the foil is one of three commonly used weapons in fencing. Most fencers begin their fencing studies with the foil before they move onto other weapons. Foils have a square or rectangular blade, which tapers to a blunt point. The foil is slightly flexible and can be as long as 3 feet, 7 inches in length. Despite its size in comparison to the sabre, foils are light for maximum speed. Foils have two main styles: Italian and French. The French style has a curved handle, which allows for greater wrist flexibility and finger movement. The Italian style handle has a crossbar and strap, which binds to the wrist and provides a strong grip for the user.

    Epee

    • The epee blade is triangular and tapers to a blunt point, stopped with a button. Unlike the foil, the epee blade is mostly rigid. Although the epee is normally about 3 feet, 6 inches in length, it is heavier than the foil or sabre and can weigh up to 1.5 pounds. The epee is designed mostly for thrusting movements and has a circular hand-guard. Of the three weapons in sport fencing, the foil, sabre and epee, only in matches using the epee are fencers allowed to target the entire body. There is no “right of way” when it comes to the epee, unlike foil or sabre matches. During fencing matches, some epees have an electronic scoring apparatus at the tip, which registers when a qualifying touch is made.

    Sabre

    • A little wider than its counterparts, the sabre has a slightly curved, single-edged blade. About one third of the back edge of the sabre's blade may also be sharpened. The sabre’s design is used for cutting movements, though it can also be used for thrusting. Sabres weight no more than 17.5 ounces and are usually about 3 inches shorter than the epee or foil at 3 feet, 4 inches in length including the handle. The sabre was originally considered a “man’s weapon” and women were only permitted to use the foil. Beginner fencers will often wait until they’ve mastered the foil before moving onto the sabre. Like the foil and epee, a sabre is light and fast and perfect for fencing.