Fencing Styles
Modern fencing has three different styles. Although the basic footwork is about the same, each style differs in the type of weapon used, the rules of the game, and the kind of protective gear needed.
Common Aspects:
All three styles use the same basic footwork, so training is usually pretty similar early on. Additionally, every style requires fencers to wear a mask, a plastron (underarm protector that goes under the jacket), a form-fitting jacket covering the entire torso and arms, a glove for the weapon hand, knickers, knee-high socks, flat bottomed fencing shoes, and a plastic chest protector. Every fencer’s outfit is white, but may include their last name and country on the back of the jacket and lamé, plus designs that may pertain to the fencer’s team.
Foil
The Blade:
The Foil blade is often made of maraging steel and is designed to be flexible enough that it bends upon contact with a target without breaking. It has a rectangular cross section and the blade itself should be no more than 90cm in length. The point of the blade is blunt — a plastic tip covers dry foils while an electric foil has a blunt ‘button’ point. The bell guard (hand guard) can be between 9.5cm to 12cm in diameter. An assembled blade usually weighs around a pound or less.
The Gear:
The only separate item that Foil fencers need is a lamé for electric fencing. the lamé, unlike the jacket, only covers the torso and back — the target area. Electric fencing uses an open circuit to light up lights. When a fencer gets a touch on their opponent’s lamé, it closes the circuit and turns on their light.
The Foil mask is very similar to the masks, except that the bottom of the bib is covered in the same material as the lamé as it covers a part of the target area.
The Rules:
The foil is a thrusting weapon. So a foil fencer can only score a point by ‘stabbing’ their opponent with the tip of their blade. Most electric foils need to have had hit the target with a force of 500g in order to close the circuit and register a touch. The target area in foil is the entire torso and back.
Additionally, foil fencers must adhere to the rules of Right of Way in order to score points. Watch this video below for a basic understanding of how it works:
Sabre
The Blade:
The Sabre has the shortest of the three blades. The blade itself should be about 88cm in length. The cross section of the blade has a Y- or V-shape, similar to an Épée but much less stiff. The tip of the blade is folded in on itself — there is no button to press like the Foil or Épée. The bell guard is curved around the handle to protect the fencer’s sword hand. The sabre is about the same weight as a foil, but it designed to be used in ‘cutting’ motions. Sabres are meant to be used swiftly and incisively. They are also prone to snapping, so the blades are relatively cheap to replace and assemble.
The Gear:
Like Foil, Sabre fencers need a lamé for electric fencing. However, the Sabre lamé covers the same area as the jacket as it is the target area. Electric fencing uses an open circuit to light up lights. When a fencer gets a touch on their opponent’s lamé, it closes the circuit and turns on their light.
The Sabré mask also has to be conductive for electric fencing because the head is a target. So, it is often covered in metal similar to the lamé and is connected to the lamé by a wire.
The Rules:
Sabre developed from military officers who would fight on horseback. It is the only weapon that is able to ‘cut’, whip and ‘stab’. Watch this video below for a basic understanding of how it works:
Épée
The Blade:
The Épée blade is a very stiff blade. It measures 90 cm and is triangular in shape — meaning it has three sides unlike a foil or sabre. The tip of the blade is very similar to a foil in that it is blunt and has a ‘button’ (for electric). However, épée blades must hit the target with a force of 750g in order for the touch to be recognized. Because the hand is a target, the bell guard is very large as protection. The blade, completely assembled, weighs between 300–700g.
The Gear:
Épée does not require any additional gear. As the entire body counts as a target, there is no need for a lamé. Although some Épée fencers prefer to wear extra layers to better protect themselves.
The Rules:
Like Foil, Épée is also a thrusting weapon. However, Épée does not follow right of way. Watch this video below for a basic understanding of how it works:
