Sabre fencing in Norfolk
The cavalryman’s weapon of choice. Designed to remove the top of an enemy's skull while at the gallop on the back of your horse.
The sabre was originally a heavy weapon with a large curved blade. Modern notions of safety have reduced this to a thin, straight, flexible strip of metal. However the distinctive curved guard is still present. Like the foil the sabre has a restricted target area, though in this case it is anywhere above the waist. Also like the foil it has the concept of priority with attacks. The sabre is unique in the modern sport in that it is a slashing weapon, so that you can score hits with the edge of the blade as well as the point.
A Fencing Sabre - Image © Leon Paul
