Fencing swords are called foil , épée , and sabre (also spelled saber). These are the three distinct weapons used in the sport of fencing, each with its own characteristics and rules:

• Foil : A light, flexible thrusting weapon with a rectangular blade. Points are scored only with the tip, and the valid target area is the torso excluding arms, head, and legs. The foil has a small bell-shaped guard to protect the hand

• Épée : The heaviest and largest of the three, also a thrusting weapon but with a stiffer, triangular blade and a large bell guard to protect the hand. The entire body is a valid target, and there is no right-of-way rule, so simultaneous hits can score points for both fencers

• Sabre : A cutting and thrusting weapon derived from cavalry swords. Points can be scored with the edge or tip of the blade. The target area includes everything above the waist except the hands. The sabre has a curved guard to protect the fingers and is the fastest of the three weapons

These three swords define the three fencing disciplines and have evolved from historical European swords used in dueling and cavalry