Saber Grips

[Saber Girl]

The Saber that I use whenever I can get my hands on has a different grip than any I have ever seen before (on any weapon). Depending on how the blade is bent, you could use it as a right of left hand weapon. Does anyone know what it is called, because I'd love to get one of my own.
Thanks.

[counter riposte]

I believe that most sabres if not all, have a french grip, which is for the most part standard. They come in rubber, cord, leather wrapped, etc.

The component which is different from sabre to sabre, is the guard. Looking at the sabre from the foible, tang down, you will notice that one side of the guard is larger than the other. This will determine whether or not the sabre is right or left handed, the larger bit going to the outside, protecting the precious knuckles. The grip (for the most part) stays the same. If you want an ambidextrous sabre, you will have to lose the electric component where your body cord would attach to, or attach it in such a way that it would be a pain to you, were you to get hit. A likely prospect.

Your best bet for an ambidextrous guard would be the Schulz guard by American Fencers. (www.amfence.com) An illegal weapon for it's rather gratuitous amount of guard, it will protect you whether you are fencing right or left handed. However, you won't be able to use it in competition. After all, it is illegal.

[DHCJr]

French handles are used for Foil and Epee, not for Sabre. But they are right in saying that normal Sabre handles are ambidextrous.

[Inquartata]

Of course, there are a lot of sabre fencers who alter their grips in one fashion or another, after-market. A few even make their own. ( At Nats back in, well, never mind how long ago, but in "dry" times, I even saw one with a big grip from a cavalry sabre, wire-wrappings and all. )

If it's a club weapon it may be one of these, er, idiosyncratic ones.