Fencing Sabers

The Best Fencing Sabers for Olympic-style Competition

Sabre fencing is a quick and aggressive style of fencing. Getting the right sabre and fencing blade size is so important. Due to the equipment requirements for the competition set forth by the FIE, discussing your fencer’s needs with the coach is the best way to identify the right weapon for training and competition. Let’s examine the history of the sabre and some tips to maximize your success as a fencer.

What is a Sabre in Fencing?

Sabre fencing has a great history of military swordsmanship. Practice swords used to be heavy weapons until, in the 19th century, an Italian master provided a more lightweight sabre for the sport that could keep up with the fast and accurate play of the foil. Sabre fencers learn how to react well and use aggressive movements that they practice over and over again. This style of fencing was the last to be electrified in standard competitions in 1986.

Some key things to try when you are using your fencing sabre — be sure to breathe well, think carefully and clearly about the attack. Have a plan that is specific to your opponent. You must play with aggression in this form. Be sure to focus on the higher part of the blade, keeping your arm close to you to have longer attacks. When you are on the retreat, you can have your arms further away from you.

Key Features of Fencing Sabers

Currently, the sabre fencing weapon can weigh as much as 500g. What makes this style of the sport so unique is that you can score with either side of the blade hitting the target area of the upper half of the body.

French, Italian, and Spanish are the three types of fencing sabers. The French style is more thin and curved, while the Spanish or Italian has a more pronounced curve. All fencing weapons have the same general form, which is as follows: The pommel, grip or hand, bell guard, forte, middle, foible, and tip/point. In most forms of fencing, you are only able to hit with the tip or point of the weapon. With a sabre, you're able to hit with the tip/point or any other part of the blade. You are always advised to try to hit with the tip or point to keep as much space between you and your opponent. The middle of the blade is just as it sounds. The forte, or the base of the blade, is the strongest part of your weapon. The bell guard helps to protect you and your hand from any injury. When you are holding the weapon, grasp the handle directly midway to maximize the extent of your arm during attack, whether above your head or straight forward. Ensuring that you have the proper hold on your weapon will help you in any competition or practice. And the pommel will keep the entire weapon together.

Fencing Sabers From Morehouse

At Morehouse Fencing Gear, we provide foam, plastic, and competitive fencing sabres. We aim to equip all aspiring and competitive fencers with the premier fencing equipment that they need. Getting the right fencing sabres is essential to you having a great start, middle, and finish to your fencing journey. Be sure to discuss with your coaching staff the weapon requirements you need to compete in sabre fencing.