There are three types of swords used in fencing today; the epee, the foil, and the saber. Each sword is used by both fencers in a single event. The swords all possess different characteristics and different rules of engagement varying the pace of each event from each other considerably.
The Epee
Epee is the French word for sword, and also the name of a particular style of fencing blade. The epee is 27 inches long. The blade is relatively thick and stiff and has a large hand guard. Points are scored by striking the target with the tip of the blade, making the epee a thrusting weapon. The blade has a spring-loaded tip that requires 750 grams of pressure in order to register as a hit on the fencer's electronic scoring system.
The Foil
The foil is a sword with a 35 inch flexible blade weighing in at less than one pound. The foil is also considered a thrusting weapon with valid points being scored only by striking the opponent with the tip. The foil's tip is spring-loaded to assist in electronic scoring similar to the epee. The foil is the most common weapon category in competitive fencing.
Sabre
The sabre's origins are in the cavalry sword, used in horseback charges to slash the enemy. The saber event is the only one in which slashing attacks as well as thrusts are scored. In terms of dimensions, the sabre is similar to the foil, but with a bladed edge. Sabre matches are renown for being fast and furious due to the sword's light weight and the permission of slashing attacks.
Target Areas
Each sword has rules defining valid target areas of the opponents body. These rules are derived mainly from historical uses of each weapon in battle. While the attacker may strike non-valid areas, these strikes will not count as positive points. Foil matches only count the torso as a valid striking area. Sabre matches allow only count hits from the waist up, while epee matches allow the fencers to score hits anywhere on the body. These rules, along with the size and weight characteristics of the swords, dictate the pace and intensity of each event.
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