So you're watching Olympic fencing or maybe that cool sword fight in a movie, and you wonder - what is the fencing sword called? Here's the thing that surprises most beginners: there isn't just one fencing sword. Nope. There are actually three completely different weapons used in modern fencing, each with unique rules, scoring, and techniques. I remember walking into my first fencing club expecting to grab "a fencing sword," only to be handed a checklist asking me to choose between foil, épée, or sabre. Talk about decision overload!

Why does this matter? Well, if you're thinking about trying fencing classes, buying equipment, or just trying to understand what you're seeing in competition footage, knowing these differences is crucial. I'll never forget my disastrous first épée tournament where I kept getting hit because I didn't understand the "right of way" rules (more on that later). Let's break down each weapon so you can finally answer that question: what is the fencing sword called in Olympic fencing?

The Three Musketeers of Modern Fencing

Modern fencing recognizes three competitive weapons - foil, épée, and sabre. Each has evolved from historical combat weapons into the specialized sporting equipment we see today. What blows my mind is how drastically different they feel in your hand. Like driving a sports car versus a truck versus a motorcycle - same basic concept, totally different experience.

Foil: The Precision Instrument

When people ask "what is the fencing sword called" in beginner classes, they're usually handed a foil. This lightweight weapon (under 500g/17.6oz) is where most fencers start. The blade is super flexible - you can practically bend it into a U-shape. What frustrates newcomers? Only torso hits count (no arms, legs or head). Plus there's this tricky concept called "right of way" - basically fencing's version of having the right-of-way in traffic.

Fencers obsess over blade brands. Popular choices:

• Absolute Fencing BF White - Great flex, lasts longer than most (around $80)
• Leon Paul Fusion - Lightest blade available but pricey ($150+)
• Allstar Ecostar - Best budget option ($45) but breaks faster

Épée: The Brutal Realist

If foil is a scalpel, épée is a crowbar. Heavier (up to 770g/27oz) with a stiff triangular blade. What I love about épée? The entire body is target and there's no right of way - first hit scores. This leads to intense standoffs where both fencers might attack simultaneously. Downside? Those heavy tips leave serious bruises through your jacket. My left thigh was purple for weeks after my first épée tournament!

Sabre: The Speed Demon

Sabre feels like fencing on caffeine. Lightweight like foil (under 500g) but you score with cuts AND thrusts. Target area is everything above the waist except hands. Matches are explosively fast - I once saw a sabre bout decided in 12 seconds! The guard curves around your knuckles because... well, you'll quickly understand why when someone slashes your fingers. Brutal but exhilarating.

Seriously though, why do sabre fencers scream so much? (We call it "vocalization"). Part celebration, part intimidation. My coach used to make us practice yelling during drills until we lost our voices. Embarrassing but effective.

Fencing Sword Comparison: How They Stack Up

Still debating what is the fencing sword called that would suit you? This breakdown might help:

Fencing Gear Breakdown: More Than Just the Sword

Real talk - your fencing sword is just 20% of the expense. Full competition kit runs $500-$1500. Essential gear includes:

• Mask: FIE-rated (safety certified) $120-$250. Sabre masks have conductive bibs.
• Jacket & Underarm: Puncture-resistant fabric. $80-$200
• Glove: Weapon hand only. Sabre gloves have conductive cuffs ($30-$80)
• Lamé (foil/sabre): Conductive metallic vest showing target area ($70-$150)
• Body Cord: Connects weapon to scoring system ($15-$40)

Fencing Sword FAQs: Your Top Questions Answered

What's the best fencing sword for beginners?

Nearly all clubs start students with foil. Why? It teaches precision and right-of-way concepts that transfer to other weapons. After 6-12 months, many switch - épée for tactical thinkers, sabre for adrenaline junkies.

Can you use any fencing sword in competition?

Nope. Weapons must pass strict checks. Officials will measure blade flexibility, tip pressure, guard size, and even weigh your grip. I've seen competitors disqualified for filing down pistol grips!

How long does a fencing sword last?

Depends how often you fence:

• Casual fencers: 1-2 years
• Weekly competitors: 6-12 months
• Elite athletes: 4-8 weeks! (They break blades constantly)

Are fencing swords dangerous?

Modern safety gear makes injuries rare. Worst I've seen? A cracked rib from épée (faulty chest protector) and sabre hickeys from edge cuts. More common are sprains and pulled muscles - fencing requires explosive movements.

Why do fencing swords bend?

Controlled flex prevents injuries and broken blades. Foil blades bend up to 25cm! Épée has minimal bend (about 1cm). When people ask "what is the fencing sword called" that behaves like wet spaghetti? That's the foil.

Choosing Your Weapon: A Personal Journey

I started with foil because "that's what beginners do." Hated it. The right-of-way rules felt arbitrary. Switched to épée and loved the tactical freedom but missed the speed. Finally found my home in sabre - though I still get mocked for flinching at head cuts. My advice?

Try all three! Most clubs offer taster sessions. Notice:

• Do you prefer patience or aggression?
• Enjoy technical rules or pure reaction?
• Want full-body workout or upper-body focus?

Remember that scene in The Princess Bride? "You seem a decent fellow... I hate to kill you." That's foil. The chaotic Dread Pirate Roberts fight? That's sabre. Épée is like two snipers circling.

Maintaining Your Fencing Sword: Care Tips

Neglect your weapon and it'll fail mid-lunge. Guaranteed. Basic maintenance:

Biggest mistake I see? People oiling blades. Don't! Oil attracts dust that gums up tips. Use silicone spray on springs only.

Fencing Through History: How the Weapons Evolved

Ever wonder why fencing swords look nothing like medieval broadswords? Safety and sportification:

• Foil (1700s): Practice weapon for dueling with lighter, flexible blade
• Épée (1800s): Direct descendant of dueling swords with practical rules
• Sabre (Military): Cavalry sabers adapted with sport safety features

The electric scoring system (1930s) changed everything. Suddenly we needed conductive clothing and weapon tips. Fun fact: early épéeists used shotgun shell primers in their tips!

Finding Fencing Clubs: Get Hands-On

Google "fencing clubs near me" but watch for:

• Free beginner classes (most offer trial sessions)
• Weapon specialization (some clubs only do épée/sabre)
• Equipment rentals (crucial for beginners)

Prices vary wildly. Big city clubs might charge $150/month while university clubs run under $50. Avoid places pushing equipment sales hard during your first visit. I once saw a newbie pressured into buying $800 gear on day one!

Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Sword

So what is the fencing sword called? Foil, épée, or sabre - but really it's a gateway to an incredible sport. What surprised me most wasn't the blades though; it was the strategy. Fencing is physical chess at 100mph. You'll develop reflexes you didn't know humans possessed and make friends in tournaments worldwide.

The toughest part? Choosing your first weapon. My coach always said: "Foil teaches you to fence, épée teaches you to think, sabre teaches you to live." Corny? Maybe. But after 12 years, I get it.

Got questions about what the fencing sword is called in specific situations? Drop them in comments below - I answer every fencing question personally.