In fencing, what are the differences between foils, epees, and sabres?

Question

What exactly are the differences between the three???

Answer 1

The three weapons differ in their weight and shape and how they are fenced. All the weapons are about 110 cm or about 43 inches long, from tip to pommel.

The foil is the lightest of the three weapons, weighing less than 500 grams (slightly over a pound). The blade cross section is rectangular. It is a thrusting weapon, meaning only hits made with the tip are counted. The valid target area is the torso. Combat is governed by conventions or rules of conduct that determine whether the attacker or defender earns a point. The weapon evolved from a training sword used to train the nobility to fence.

The epee is the heaviest of the three blades, weighing at most 750 grams or about a pound and a half. It has a triangular cross section and a larger bell guard than the foil. Like the foil, the epee is a thrusting weapon. The entire body, from mask to toe is valid target area. There are no conventions, so any touch counts. Opponents may touch simultaneously, in which case both touches score. The epee grew out of the dueling rapier.

The sabre is approximately the same weight as the foil. It is a slashing weapon, so touches made with the tip and edge count. The bell guard wraps around to protect the knuckles. The head, arms and torso above the waist are valid target area. Like the foil, the sabre is governed by conventions that establish right of way (which fencer is permitted to score). The sabre is a derivative of the cavalry weapon.

Epeeists like to say that "foil is art, sabre is drama, and epee is truth." The foilists and sabreurs might disagree, but foil bouting is very artistic, with much bladework, while sabre is fenced with a dramatic flair. Watch the women's sabre competition at the Beijing Olympics; it'll be very exciting.

Answer 2

In scoring the sabre strike counts on other body parts, not just the chest.