Foil, épée and saber are the three weapons used in the sport of fencing. While it is not unusual for fencers to compete in all three events, they generally choose to develop their skills in one weapon. Both men and women compete in all three weapons.  UNC fencing is primarily a foil/épée club. However we do have some saber gear, and any experienced saber fencers are welcome.

Foil

The foil has a flexible rectangular blade, approximately 35 inches in length, weighing less than one pound. Points are scored with the tip of the blade and must land within the torso of the body.

The valid target area in foil is the torso, from the shoulders to the groin, front and back. It does not include the arms, neck, head and legs. The foil fencer's uniform includes a metallic vest (called a lamé) which covers the valid target area, so that a valid touch will register on the scoring machine. A small, spring-loaded tip is attached to the point of the foil and is connected to a wire inside the blade. The fencer wears a body cord inside his uniform which connects the foil to a reel wire, connected to the scoring machine.

There are two scoring lights on the machine. One shows a green light when a fencer is hit, and one shows a red light when her opponent is hit. A touch landing outside the valid target area (that which is not covered by the lamé) is indicated by a white light. These "off target" hits do not count in the scoring, but they do stop the fencing action temporarily.

One of the most difficult concepts to visualize in foil and saber fencing is the rule of right-of-way. This rule was established to eliminate apparently simultaneous attacks by two fencers. In essence, right-of-way is the differentiation of offense and defense, made by the referee.

Épée

The épée (pronounced "EPP-pay"), the descendant of the dueling sword, is similar in length to the foil, but is heavier, weighing approximately 27 ounces, with a larger guard (to protect the hand from a valid hit) and a much stiffer blade.

Touches are scored only with the point of the blade. In épée the whole of the fencer’s body, including the clothing and gear, is the valid target area.

Épée does not use the right-of-way in keeping with its dueling origin - he/she who first gains the touch earns the point. Or, if both fencers hit within 1/25th of a second of each other, both earn a point. However, it is equally important to have a sound defense for épée, since the entire body must be protected from a touch.

Saber

The saber is the modern version of the slashing cavalry sword, and is similar in length and weight to the foil. The major difference is that the saber is a thrusting weapon as well as a cutting weapon (use of the blade).

The target area is from the bend of the hips (both front and back), to the top of the head, simulating the cavalry rider on a horse. The saber fencer's uniform includes a metallic jacket (lamé), which covers the target area to register a valid touch on the scoring machine. The mask is different from foil and épée, with a metallic covering since the head is valid target area. Just as in foil, there are two scoring lights on the machine. One shows a green light when a fencer is hit, and one shows a red light when the opponent has hit. Off-target hits do not register on the machine.

One of the most difficult concepts to visualize in foil and saber fencing is the rule of right-of-way. This rule was established to eliminate apparently simultaneous attacks by two fencers. In essence, right-of-way is the differentiation of offense and defense, made by the referee.

The main object of fencing in all three weapons is to win a bout (what an individual "game" is called). To do this you must effectively score 15 points (in direct elimination play) or five points (in preliminary pool play) on your opponent before he or she scores that number on you. Each time a fencer scores a touch, he or she receives a point. Direct elimination matches consist of three three-minute periods, and pool matches consist of one three minute period.

The Strip
Fencing bouts are played on a linear strip.
A standard strip is 40 ft (14m) long and 6ft (1½ - 2m) wide.

• “C” is the center of the strip. The box is placed here to help a judge see and score points.

• “G” is where fencers stand in the en garde position to begin a bout and return after a point is scored.

• “W” is a warning line, meaning that you are nearing the end of the strip.

• “E” is the end line. Fencers should NOT pass this line while bouting. If both feet cross this line, your opponent will receive a point.

Source: United States Fencing Association.