I think it just clicked today after looking at a fencing book in borders , but i was wondering, is the curve of the blade supposed to go down with the flat part parrallel to the ground? I have been fencing with the curve going to the left, concave on the inside. bah dammit i need a real coach, damned SCA fencers, need to get out of plattsburgh.
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It depends on which weapon you are talking about. Both the Foil and Epee being thrusting weapons the curve should be down for safety.
In foil the cross-section is a rectangle with the widest part horizontal and if it is electric the wire up. The curve can be no more than 2cm.
In Epee, the blade is shaped like a V with the groove up. The curve can be no more than 1cm.
In sabre, the are several cross-sections at the forte (closest to the guard) with Y and T being the most common. The smallest part being down. If it is a I cross section, stand the I up. The curve is to the side towards the inside. To the left for a right-hander and to the right for a left-hander. The curve can be no more than 4cm.
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Donald Hollis Clinton, Jr. DHCJr@juno.com
To Teach is to Learn (Japanese Proverb)
Knowing the rule book by heart means nothing, if you don't understand the rules.
I'm not sure I understand your question but here goes...
If you hold the weapon so your thumb lines up with the groove on the top of the blade (or the flat part of a practise weapon) and your thumb is up (palm points to your left if you are right handed), then the blade should curve down.
Personally, I fence with with my thumb pointing to my right (palm up). Then the blade curves to the left. I find this helps my point control because I can't roll my shoulder over.
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