pointed thumb?

[afriendlycat]

Everyone and every book say that the grip should be held between thumb and last joint of index finger. What they do not mention is whether or not the thumb should be pointed or not.

By pointing the thumb you are better able to use the muscle to control the tip (flat thumb makes my thumb tired really fast, pointed thumb and I can fence forever).

By not pointing the thumb, maybe you can control the blade tip easier? (switch pressure from tip of thumb to first joint to switch pushing down or up).

Post your experience!

I've searched various sources and tried to search on this forum with no luck, but sorry if asked before.

[Inquartata]

Which weapon?

I've never heard of anyone doing that in sabre.

[afriendlycat]

I've never heard of anyone dong that in sabre.

I was thinking of foil/epee.

When you say that, do you mean you have never heard of anyone pointing their thumb or never having their thumb flat?

[CvilleFencer]

It is difficult for me to even imagine a way that is close to correct that you could hold a pistol grip and not have the thump on top, pointing down the blade and the forefinger on the bottom. Could you post a pic of what you are talking about? Also you would get a wider range of response posting this question in the fencing section of the forums.

[Rockstar44]

I've never heard of this before. Tried it tonight, though. It required a lot more strength in the thumb and it ended up really hurting.

But, if it works for you, then it works for you.

[afriendlycat]

Ok, so the consensus is flat thumb.

I also found two books on Google Books that had drawings or photos of holding a grip, and both were flat thumb.