FIE-certified blades have the FIE logo stamped at the base of the blade, along with the code letters for the forge that produced the blade (be warned: some disreputable forges have been known to falsify these marks). They are mandatory at official FIE and other high-level competitions.

Maraging steel foil blades have a reputation for lasting considerably longer than regular steel blades, and are supposed to break more cleanly. They are made of a special alloy steel (incorporating iron, nickel, and titanium) that is only 5% as likely to develop the microcracks that lead to eventual breakage. Many fencers find them a superior value, in spite of their high price. As they vary in character in the same way as regular blades, similar caution should be exercised when purchasing them.

Maraging epee blades are also available, although there are alternative steels that have also received FIE certification. Leon Paul produces a non-maraging FIE epee blade worth mentioning; it is stamped from a sheet of steel, rather than forged whole. These blades are lightweight and flexible; some older ones passed the wire through a hole to the underside of the blade.

Maraging sabre blades do not seem to be so well received, and are not required for FIE competition.