Dear All,

Regarding the discussed flexibility of foil blades, there are several
reasons for a foil blade being flexible, but a distinct difference stands between
original C19th foil blades and modern sports blades.

Original C19th foil blades are designed to be a strong lightweight blade
that flexes to simulate penetration of the blade into the target while preserving
the straight form of the blade overall as far as possible. Fencing `tricks`
such as the flick hit are not a question here as they are outwith martial
consideration.
For the blade to safely flex then and retain its form as far as possible, it
is necessary for the blade to bend only at the very end of the blade, in the
last 1/3 - 1/4 of the blade at the foible - tip, while retaining a stiffer and
more solid forte for as far as possible.
This in fact requires differential tempering throughout the blade to be done
well.

Modern foil blades are designed and tempered differently. With respect to
retaining the fencers own safety and balance in defence, most classical fencing
actions should be delivered from the measure of blade engagement to the
target, with no expectation of carrying the blade or body weight beyond that
measure. Following the change in martial - sporting considerations and subsequent
actions, certain sporting practices such as the fleche and starting attacks from
outwith measure of blade engagement, one factor that has dramatically changed
from classical - modern fencing is the expected collision rate between the two
fencers and ultimately of the blade upon the target.

Modern sports fencing foil blades today must as a result of expected actions
and subsequent punishment be more tougher and robust overall than original
classical foil blades. When the method of play changes, equipment often changes
accordingly.

As well as a noticeable difference in the respective foible thicknesses of
original and classical blades (with original foibles distal tapering to about
half that of modern blades), the flexibility of these respective blades are
also different. A modern blade will start to flex from 1/2 way - 2/3 the way down
the blade, which naturally creates a noticeable difference in practical
handling characteristics through actions at speed and upon delivering a thrust with
regard to overall blade allignment.

It would be a nice thought to imagine that just one blade manufacturer today
could be persuaded to recreate such classical foil blades again. Then Sams
and many other problems would be no more!

Yours Very Truly,

Paul Macdonald,
Maestro d` Armi, IMAF,
Director, BFHS,
Macdonald Academy of Arms,
Macdonald Academy of Exercises


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]



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