There are three weapons used in the sport of fencing. They are Epee, Sabre and Foil. Each has a different target area on which hits are scored. Each weapon has its own unique characteristics which makes the sport as a whole interesting and challenging both physically and mentally.
EPEE
The Epee is the heavier of the three. It is a thrusting weapon, where only the point is used to score hits. The guard is larger than that of the foil and the blade wider than foil or sabre. The target area is the whole body, Epee is the only one of the three where both fencers can score a hit at the same time.
SABRE
The Sabre is a cutting and thrusting weapon where the point and edge are used to score hits. The guard is larger than that of the foil but the blade is of a similar width. The target area is anywhere above the waist.
FOIL
The Foil is a thrusting weapon where only the point is used to score hits. The guard is the smallest of the three weapons and the blade narrow and flexible. The on target area is the torso (the body), arms, legs and head are counted as off target. This is the only one of the three to have a designated off target area.