Can I fence electric foil/epee with a sabre mask?
Fencing electric foil or epee with a sabre mask is certainly possible; however, if the mask or bib comes in contact with the lamé or any part of the weapon such as the guard, the mask will take on the electrical characteristics of whatever it is touching. In foil, for example, if the bib touches the lamé, and it is very probable that it will, the mask will become like the lamé. A touch to the mask will then register as a valid touch. This of course is highly undesirable ! In contrast, with the epée, where there is no lamé, the mask will be isolated from ground as required and hits to the mask will register correctly. If, however, the mask touches a part of the weapon, for example, the epee guard then the mask will become grounded like the guard and any hit made to the mask during this time will not register. This will also be the case for the foil. In the rare case of the mask touching the foil lamé and the guard of the foil at the same time, all will be grounded so that hits to either
