Types of Fencing Grips

The Three Musketeers each had one, so did Zorro and Obi-Wan wannabes. From fiction to film, the glory of sword fighting, or fencing, holds a grip on our imagination. Fencers at all skill levels and styles, foil and epee, know the importance of selecting the correct grip, the part of the sword held in the fencer’s hand. When properly used, the ideal grip can help determine victory or defeat. In classical fencing, the two grips used are the French and Italian grip, while the most common grip in competitions is the newer Pistol grip.

  1. French Grip

    • Control and finesse best describe the French grip that remains the most popular style in classical fencing. The straight contoured handle fits either the right or left hand. A simple and economical design with a round-shaped hand guard that protects the fingers on the grip. It is a favorite of beginners who often start with it then change to another grip as their style develops. Its main advantage is its speed and manageability. The main drawback is reduced power that lessens stability. Leather wrapped wood or metal grips are the traditional models, but modern versions include plastic and hardened rubber.

    Italian Grip

    • One word describes the Italian grip: power. More difficult to learn to use, it is made from wood, metal or plastic and wrapped with either grip tape or leather. The straight thin grip has a crossbar, usually with an elaborate design, and two rings that allow the index and middle fingers to rest on a part of the blade adding more stability. Its main disadvantage is possible hand injury if the fingers twist in the crossbar rings during a match or when a fencer disengages. Additional hand and arm strength is required to use the Italian grip.

    Pistol Grip

    • Molded like the contour of a pistol, it was invented by a 19th century fencer Visconti who lost several fingers in an accident. A major advantage is the ergonomic grip gives enhanced agility and less fatigue from its lightweight plastic or aluminum handle. The pistol grip has eight different models with the Visconti, American and the Russian, and Belgian as the most popular. Each provides variations in size, from small to large, and firmness. The pistol grip has gained popularity in the 20th century in the Olympics games, among novice and experienced fencers, and in national and international fencing competitions.