How Are the Different Fencing Sword Types Used?

Fencing is a unique sport that has always been part of the Olympic games since 1896. It is one of the five sports always to be a part of every modern Olympic game. This combative sport is a contest of athletism and skill, but how much do you know about it?

In this guide, we’ll take you through the most basic rules of fencing. You can also learn which fencing sword type fits your fighting style and techniques. Read on to get a better understanding of fencing match rules and the types of fencing swords. 

Take A Quick Look at the Basic Rules

Before you dive into the different sword types, check out the basic rules in fencing. Sword fighting is less restrictive compared to the past now, but it still has its rules. The first and most important rule is to have all your necessary equipment. 

It’s easy to get hurt when you don’t have your safety equipment, including:

• Fencing sword
• Masks
• Gloves or gauntlets
• Jacket
• Sous-plastron or underarm protector
• Chest protector 
• Breeches
• Lame
• Body wire
• Reels

In all tournaments, you have to be sure that you have approved weapons and equipment. When it comes to the fencing matches, you have to compete in three 3-minute rounds. The winner will either be the person who has the most hits or reached 15 points.

You must always salute your opponent and the referee at the start and end of a match. It’s only possible to get points if you meet the requirements for each weapon. Avoid getting penalties by foot faults, barging your opponent, and using your hand to cover the target zone. 

You should also be careful of the strip’s legal boundaries. Once you step out of bounds, your opponent gets 1 meter or 3 feet of ground when the match restarts. Attacking with both hands means the officials will allow touches to the opponent.

You shouldn’t display overly violent behavior and poor sportsmanship. Don’t forget to take care of your equipment before and after a big tournament. Read more here if you want to know how to clean your swords. 

The Difference of Your Fencing Sword Type

There are three main types of fencing swords: saber, epee, and foil. Each type has different techniques, compositions, and scoring target areas. You need to learn which sword matches the duration, speed, and style of the fencing match. 

Read on to learn which sword matches your strategies for modern and Olympic fencing. 

The Sabre

The fencing saber is a weapon that mimics the Elizabethan backswords. It was the weapon used for military purposes, particularly for the cavalry. Like the foil, the maximum legal weight of the saber should stay at 500 grams. 

The most common usage for this fencing sword type is fighting on horseback. The saber is more for slashing, cutting, and thrusting attacks. It’s a weapon that focuses on the upper body, including the arms, head, and trunk to the waist. 

Since the hand is a considered target, a half-rounded guard is protecting your fingers. The blade of the saber has a V-shape with the point folded over to make a button. You gain a point by striking your opponent with the front of the blade. 

You can also gain a point using the point of the blade or the forward third of the back edge. Sabre fencing swords are heavy and the most expensive, but they have a longer life span. Unlike epee and foil, you don’t have to bring saber swords at domestic and international tournaments. 

The Epee

The fencing epee sword is the original French dueling sword, developed in the 19th century. Its main role was to train individuals for swordplay and duels. This type of fencing sword is another trusting weapon, weighing at most 775 grams. 

The weight, shape, and fluting design of the epee originated from the rapier. The rapier was primarily for thrusting wounds to let your blood flow more freely. When using the epee, you can strike anywhere on the body to get points.

The epee’s blade has a triangular shape with fluting or grooves along the sides. The guard of the sword is large with a bell-shape to protect your hands. This fencing sword type is also expensive and the heaviest, but it can last a few years.

Note that if you attack with the blade’s side, it is not counted in your score. Epee swords are not required in US national or local tournaments. However, you need them for international events and tournaments. 

The Foil 

The fencing foil sword is the lightest, safest, and smallest among the three types. It evolved from a short-court sword, used as practice weapons for duels between nobles. You can only have a foil sword weighing below 500 grams. 

The foil blade is typically very flexible, staying around 35 inches in square and length in the cross-section. Like the epee sword, you can only score a point using the blade’s tip or point. You can only target the front or back torso, excluding the legs and arms. 

The foil blades are more quadrangular in shape with a bell-shaped guard that’s smaller than the epee. Although hands are not part of the points, the small circular handguards help with safety. Foil fencers must use a metallic vest called the “lame” for the target area. 

Lame protects the user, but it also acts as a target area for your opponent. You also need a foil mask for national-level events and ROC tournaments. Make sure you check if your local foil fencing tournament needs your conductive bib.

Foil fencing is the most popular modern fencing sport in the US compared to the other two. You don’t have to bring a foil sword for local or national tournaments. However, international tournaments require all three types. 

Learn More About the Types of Fencing Swords

Duels and training play a big part in forming the picture of modern fencing. Fencing is a fun sport that relies on logic, concentration, and observation. You need to use your fencing sword type to form strategies and correct movements. 

Do you want to learn more about fencing? We have more guides with plenty of interesting facts and tips. Check out our other blog posts for more information. 

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