How Do You Buy Fencing Sabres?
Fencing sabres have longer, broader blades than foils or epees, and you may score with them by striking the body of the blade against your opponent, not just the tip. Sabres were originally cavalry weapons, emphasizing broad sweeping strokes from horseback. If you’re buying a sabre, make sure it meets a checklist of requirements. Ask which hand your sabre is for. Fencing weapons usually conform to the handedness of the fencer and can’t be comfortably used in the off hand. Most sabres are made for right-handed fencers, but check the grip to be sure. Find out whether you will need an electric sabre (one with wires to aid in scoring) or a “dry” sabre. Make sure the wiring on an electric model is properly insulated, clean and functioning. Check the socket to see that it is properly configured. Early electric sabres used a “capteur” socket, which never worked well and has been avoided by most fencing federations since. Look for a foil socket that is in good shape and firmly connected to the
