In the sport of fencing, there are three different disciplines named according to the type of sword used: the foil, épée, and sabre (also spelled saber) . Each style has its own separate set of rules and strategies, but are in most ways similar. Each fencing sword has its own unique physical properties to better accommodate its rules and strategies.

• Foil: The most common style of fencing uses the foil sword. The foil is a thrusting weapon, which means touches are only scored when the tip of the sword touches the opponent. In the case of the foil, the tip must touch the torso (front or back) excluding the arms, or crotch. This is called the target area. With a maximum weight of 500 grams, the foil is the most lightweight and flexible sword out of the three. Its weight and flexibility allow for quicker movement and attacks such as “the flick”, and easily makes foil fencing the most entertaining to watch.

• Épée: The épée is a thrusting weapon like the foil, but it is heavier and stiffer with a maximum weight of 775 grams. The target area for the épée is the entire body, including the arms and legs. The épée is the only fencing sword where the entire blade is used for scoring, not just the tip.

• Sabre: The sabre is a cutting and thrusting weapon, which means touches with the tip as well as the side of the blade are valid. The target area for the sabre includes the head, arms, and trunk to the waist. Because the hand is considered a target, the guard is half rounded to protect the fingers. The sabre is the fastest out of the three weapons due to the fact that it is a cutting weapon.