Fencing is a prestigious sport that has been around officially since the mid 19th century. The graceful and powerful moves associated with combatants in the sport are derived from sword fighting originally, and it is clear to see in each match.
The problems with moving a sport from actual combat to being a sport is that there is always a significant change in rules and regulations, often because there were none before.
Due to the fact that most people don’t fence in the slightest, these rules and regulations are a mystery to us common folk.
So, all we can do is watch people fence and ask questions on the fly. One of the biggest questions is about the sharpness of the swords, especially the lightest sword, the saber.
Are sabers sharp? We see combatants in protective clothing, so they must be, right?
In this article, we will examine fencing sabers closely and inform you whether they are sharp or not.
What Is A Fencing Saber?
A fencing saber is a weapon designed for use in fencing. It is a long straight or slightly curved blade attached to a handle.
The saber is the lightest of the three fencing swords and unlike the others has a downward, curving finger guard as well as a hand guard. This finger guard connects from the circular hand guard to the pommel at the bottom.
The saber has evolved over time and there are many types of sabers today. Some of them are:
Rondel Saber – This is one of the more traditional fencing sabers. It was used by men until the late 1800s, when women started fencing or sword fighting. During the time period before, only men could fight with rondels and women were not allowed in the unofficial sport at the time at all. Rondels are still used sometimes as a training tool, but are rarely seen in matches.
Hook Sabers – Hook sabers are double-edged blades that curve slightly into the hand. These blades are usually made out of steel and are very heavy, making them perfect for blocking attacks and stopping thrusts.
Dagger-style Saber – Dagger style sabers are typically single edge blades that can either be straight or curved. They are made out of carbon steel and are light enough to be handled easily. They also come in multiple sizes depending on how much weight you want on your fencing weapon.
Saber – A typical modern fencing saber. They are heavier than daggers but lighter than hook sabers. They are made out mostly of stainless steel and range from 5-10 oz.
Are Fencing Sabers Sharp?
In general, a saber or a sword of any quality will be sharp, but for weapons used in sports and sporting events, then the answer is that they are not that sharp.
Don’t get us wrong, the combatants still have to wear a variety of protective gear, and they have to train themselves to avoid inflicting or avoid incurring injury, but the swords themselves are not that sharp.
The tip of each fencing sword – be it épée, foil, or saber – is completely flat, not pointed or spiked in any way, and the edge of the weapon (often used for slashing opponents) is also completely dull.
This is because the object of the sport is not to win through maiming or injuring your opponent, such practices were phased out long ago.
The object of fencing is to score points against your opponent by landing hits upon their body. This shows the skill of the fencer and is a good indicator about who should win the match they are competing in.
Can Fencing Sabers Still Hurt People?
Yes, fencing sabers can still injure people. But if you follow proper safety precautions during competition, then you won’t suffer injuries from these weapons.
In general, people who fence regularly know how to control the speed of their attack, how to aim properly, and how to land blows safely.
Fencing sabers are safe weapons if used correctly. There are several things that must happen before you use a saber:
You must put your weapon away after every match. When you’re done fighting, you need to put the fencing saber back into its sheath or scabbard.
If you’re using a saber, then you need to take off your gloves. You don’t want to do anything that would cause you to lose grip on your weapon.
When you’re holding your saber, you must keep your free hand away from your saber. This allows you to move more quickly while aiming or striking an opponent and avoid injuring yourself.
If you’re going to strike someone with your blade, make sure that you don’t hit them directly in the face. Make sure that you swing your arm at them instead.
Most Common Fencing Injuries
The most common injuries you’ll see occur when people try to lunge too fast. If you go into a fight with haste, you may end up hitting yourself instead of your opponent.
Because of this, you should always slow down and be careful when engaging in combat.
Another thing that can lead to injury is improper aim. An experienced fencer knows how to aim properly so that he doesn’t accidentally bump himself or his opponent.
But those who aren’t as skilled will find it difficult to hit what they’re aiming for.
Other types of injuries include bumps and bruises, which can occur when you land a blow without being able to dodge it.
One way to avoid this is by practicing and learning how to perform moves like parries and dodges. These techniques allow you to deflect an incoming blow, allowing you to continue fighting unhurt.
Also, you can learn how to defend yourself from various attacks, including thrusts, slashes, and stabs. Learning how to block and counter-attack will help you ward off harm.
Why Is The Saber A Good Fencing Tool?
While other fencing tools have been replaced by modern equipment, the saber remains one of the best weapons for fencing. Here’s why:
It is effective. The saber is a versatile weapon that can be used against multiple targets depending on the situation. It can be used against multiple attackers simultaneously, but also against single opponents.
Sabers are quick. They’re easy to handle and can be used in close quarters. With these characteristics, sabers are ideal for fencers who like to inflict quick blows and strikes before.
They’re effective. The saber has a very narrow profile, making it hard for an attacker to get through. Also, because the saber is made out of flexible metal, it won’t break but bend, unlike wood sticks.
In addition, a saber is far easier than a stick or baton to control.
Sabers are versatile. Unlike a sword, they can be used to protect against multiple blows. You can use a saber as a weapon, or even as a bludgeon if your opponent tries to grab onto it.
Conclusion
The saber is a graceful and amazing piece of equipment. In the modern day and the modern iteration of the sport, sabers are not sharp at all.
This is because they are no longer needed to inflict injury, instead they are only needed to score points against an opponent.
So, if the danger was stopping you from trying fencing, then allay your fears as fencing adheres to strict protective rules and regulations to keep the combatants safe.
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