fencing weapons [2]![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
In the Olympic Games, the foil, the épée and the saber are used by both men and women.
parts of the weapon ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Weapons can be thrusting (touch made with the tip of the blade), cutting (with the blade) or slicing (with the back edge).
guard ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Metal rounded part that protects the armed hand during a match.
blade ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Hitting part of the weapon; measuring about 3 feet, it is made of flexible metal and is thin and tapered.
handle ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Wood, metal or plastic part for holding and wielding the weapon.
mounting ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Part of the weapon to which the blade is attached.
medium ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Part of the blade between the forte and the foible.
forte ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Thickest part of the blade, near the guard.
foible ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Thinnest part of the blade, up to its end.
pommel ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Metal knob at the end of the handle to balance the weapon.