One Thread To Rule Them All (Foilists Only)

[Wise-Epeeist]

In a well-intentioned attempt to reach out to our fencing cousins, I'd like to extend a hand of friendship and ask: What is it that you like so much about foil?

[gtmac]

Both ROW and the target size are challenges. I like challenges.

[parrythis]

Both ROW and the target size are challenges. I like challenges.

Most foilists are challenged in some way.

[Wise-Epeeist]

Both ROW and the target size are challenges. I like challenges.

I can appreciate that.
Can you offer any other points that might lead me to try a little foil at the club tonight? It's been a long time since my introductory lessons, and I certainly didn't have any technical skills to apply at the time so that I could enjoy myself fully in a bout.
I'm willing to give it another try.

[Zilverzmurfen]

I can appreciate that.
Can you offer any other points that might lead me to try a little foil at the club tonight? It's been a long time since my introductory lessons, and I certainly didn't have any technical skills to apply at the time so that I could enjoy myself fully in a bout.
I'm willing to give it another try.

You Quisling!

[Fencergrl]

Man ... Wise Epeeist... you have this rep whoring down to a fine art! As for all you other epeeists... don't forget to rep each other here!

[needle]

Man ... Wise Epeeist... you have this rep whoring down to a fine art! As for all you other epeeists... don't forget to rep each other here!

I'm already done for the day - too much in 24 hours ... but I'll be back

[TooLoftheDeviL]

The subtlety in reputation whoring has alluded me.

[Sciurus-Rex]

The subtlety in reputation whoring has alluded me.

And possibly eluded you as well.

[Wise-Epeeist]

Man ... Wise Epeeist... you have this rep whoring down to a fine art! As for all you other epeeists... don't forget to rep each other here!

I feel that the Three Tribes of Fencing have been unjustly cast against each only for the devil's amusement. We must mend our ways and recast the bond which unites us all -- a long, pointy piece of metal, with which to injury each other with joyful abandon. All other differences are petty and unimportant.

If this means I need to pick up a foil or sabre and "parry" ... Well, then so be it.

Don't be a hater. Be a uniter.

[needle]

I feel that the Three Tribes of Fencing have been unjustly cast against each only for the devil's amusement. We must mend our ways and recast the bond which unites us all -- a long, pointy piece of metal, with which to injury each other with joyful abandon. All other differences are petty and unimportant.

If this means I need to pick up a foil or sabre and "parry" ... Well, then so be it.

Don't be a hater. Be a uniter.

Why only three tribes then? Be more open, invite the folks from classical fencing, the SCA, the theatrical fencing, the historical fencing, single-stick, ... any other lost tribes we might have out there?

Any dangerous idea can and should be dealt with by developing it to the point of absurdity.

[Fencergrl]

Don't forget my personal favourite... foam swords! They're endorsed by Olympic fencers you know!

[needle]

Don't forget my personal favourite... foam swords! They're endorsed by Olympic fencers you know!

Oh absolutely, my 1.5-year old has a lot of fun with those, I'm sure he won't want to be left out

[akaiyuki]

Oh absolutely, my 1.5-year old has a lot of fun with those, I'm sure he won't want to be left out

So does he stab with it? Cut with it? Or stand there and do nothing with it?

[needle]

So does he stab with it? Cut with it? Or stand there and do nothing with it?

For now he just grabs and holds it I'll try to catch a moment and take a picture

[RoninX]

Man ... Wise Epeeist... you have this rep whoring down to a fine art! As for all you other epeeists... don't forget to rep each other here!

You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to Fencergrl again.

...ask and ye shall receive (as long as the system lets me)

[akaiyuki]

For now he just grabs and holds it I'll try to catch a moment and take a picture

Meh, future epeeist.

[TooLoftheDeviL]

And possibly eluded you as well.

Definately both.

[erooMynohtnA]

I can appreciate that.
Can you offer any other points that might lead me to try a little foil at the club tonight? It's been a long time since my introductory lessons, and I certainly didn't have any technical skills to apply at the time so that I could enjoy myself fully in a bout.
I'm willing to give it another try.

I've been thinking about it all day. I know I like foil the best because it just clicks for me, but I've been trying to get to the underlying reason for that.

For one thing, the foil feels best in my hand. The heft just feels right to me. That's probably just because I do mostly foil.

I like the arm not being target, which it is in both saber and epee. That gives me the ability to extend without worrying about my arm. It frees my mind because it's one less thing to worry about. It also makes things easier to parry, and I love to riposte. (It also allows me to charge down the strip like a moron without needing to worry as much about a stop hit.)

I used to like foil for the flick, but I can't do that anymore, as much, anyway.

I also like the actions better. I just find the "dialogue" in foil more interesting, but that could be because it's my primary weapon.

Edit: There also seems to be a greater variation in technique between foilists. I like that also.

[ShadyLane]

For one thing, the foil feels best in my hand. The heft just feels right to me. That's probably just because I do mostly foil.

I like the arm not being target, which it is in both saber and epee. That gives me the ability to extend without worrying about my arm. It frees my mind because it's one less thing to worry about. It also makes things easier to parry, and I love to riposte.

Agreed. It's much lighter than an epee too.