What Are Fencing Swords Called?
Key Takeways:
- Fencing swords are called foil, épée, and sabre.
- Each fencing sword has unique rules, weight, and target areas.
-
Olympic fencing uses the same three standardized swords.
-
Fencing swords are sport weapons, not combat or battlefield blades.
- Foil is the most common beginner fencing sword.
- Épée is the heaviest; sabre is the fastest discipline.
Modern fencing uses three specific swords: foil, épée, and sabre. Each fencing sword has its own rules, weight, target area, and style of combat, which is why fencing does not rely on a single 'standard' sword. This guide explains the names of fencing swords, Olympic fencing weapons, key differences, historical context, and which fencing sword is most commonly used.
What Is a Fencing Sword Called?
A fencing sword is not a single weapon, modern fencing uses three distinct swords: foil, épée, and sabre. Each is designed for a specific fencing discipline with its own rules, target areas, and scoring methods.
The term 'fencing sword' is an umbrella phrase used to describe any of these three sport-specific weapons, rather than a generic sword used across all fencing styles.
The Three Types of Fencing Swords Explained
Modern fencing is built around three distinct fencing sword types, each with unique rules, technique, and purpose.
1. Foil
The foil is a light, thrusting-only fencing sword designed for precision and control. Valid touches are limited to the torso, encouraging disciplined technique and accuracy. Because of its lighter weight and structured rules, foil is the most common beginner fencing sword worldwide.
Key Features
- Weight: ~500 grams
- Length: Up to 110 cm
- Blade: Thin, rectangular cross-section
- Target Area: The torso (excluding arms and legs)
2. Épée
The épée is the heaviest fencing sword and closely resembles a real dueling weapon. Touches can land on the entire body, and there are no right-of-way rules, meaning whoever hits first scores. This makes épée more tactical and timing-focused.
Key Features
- Weight: ~775 grams
- Length: Up to 110 cm
- Blade: Stiff, triangular cross-section
- Target Area: The entire body (including hands and feet)
3. Sabre
The sabre is used for both cutting and thrusting, unlike foil and épée. Valid target areas include the upper body, arms, and head, reflecting its cavalry-sword origins. Sabre fencing is known as the fastest and most aggressive Olympic fencing discipline.
Key Features
- Weight: ~500 grams
- Length: Up to 105 cm
- Blade: Slightly curved, with a knuckle guard
- Target Area: Everything above the waist (head, arms, torso)
What Are Fencing Swords at the Olympics Called?
At the Olympic Games, fencing uses the same three swords as international competition: foil, épée, and sabre. These are standardized sport weapons governed by international fencing rules.
Olympic fencing does not use rapiers or other historical swords because modern fencing prioritizes safety, precision scoring, and consistent global rules, which require flexible blades, protective gear, and electronic scoring systems.
Also read: Broadsword vs. Longsword
How Fencing Swords Differ From Historical Swords?
Modern sport fencing swords are designed for competition, safety, and precision, not battlefield combat. Unlike historical weapons, fencing swords are lightweight, flexible, and electronically scored to reduce injury and ensure fair matches.
Historically, the rapier sword influenced fencing technique and posture, but it is not used in modern fencing. Today’s fencing swords have blunt tips, flexible steel blades, and protective guards, clearly separating them from sharp, rigid weapons found in traditional types of swords used for war or dueling.
Related: 10 Famous Sword Names from Mythology
Parts of a Fencing Sword (Quick Anatomy)
A modern fencing sword is made up of a few essential parts, each designed for balance, control, and safety:
- Blade – The long, flexible steel section used to score touches
- Guard – The protective cup that shields the hand from hits
- Grip – The handle, shaped for control (French or pistol styles)
- Pommel – The weighted end piece that balances the sword
This basic anatomy is consistent across foil, épée, and sabre, with slight variations by weapon type, making it useful for understanding fencing technique and sword construction.
Buying a Fencing Sword (Beginner to Competitive)
When buying a fencing sword, the first step is choosing foil, épée, or sabre, based on your fencing style, club focus, or competition goals. Beginners often start with foil, while épée and sabre suit more specialized preferences.
Look for proper balance, blade flexibility, and certification (such as FIE approval for competition), as these directly affect performance and safety. Quality craftsmanship matters, even outside sport fencing, brands that emphasize historically inspired blades and material integrity (such as FWOSI-style standards) reflect the importance of well-made swords over novelty designs.
Shop Authentic Hand-Forged Swords
Conclusion
Modern fencing uses three specific swords: foil, épée, and sabre, each designed for a distinct fencing style, rule set, and competitive purpose. These weapons are sport-specific tools, not historical combat swords, prioritizing safety, precision, and standardized competition over battlefield use.
Don't Miss Related Blogs
How heavy is Gut's sword from Berserk?
FAQs on Fencing Swords
What is the most common fencing sword?
The foil is the most common fencing sword, especially for beginners and in training programs. Its lighter weight and restricted target area help fencers develop precision, footwork, and control.
What kind of swords are used for fencing?
Modern fencing uses foil, épée, and sabre. These are specialized sport weapons designed for competition, not sharp historical swords.
What is the heaviest sword in fencing called?
The épée is the heaviest fencing sword. Its weight and full-body target area make it more tactical and timing-focused than foil or sabre.
What is an Italian sword called?
Historically, Italy is associated with the rapier, a slender thrusting sword used in civilian duels. While influential in fencing history, rapiers are not used in modern sport fencing.
What was Julius Caesar’s sword called?
Julius Caesar likely carried a gladius, the standard short sword of Roman legionaries. It was a battlefield weapon, not related to fencing swords.
