How to buy your first weapon (foil, épée, sabre)
Dry vs electric, blade sizes and grips, start simple. · Typical price $30-150
Ask your coach which weapon before you buy anything, then keep it simple to start.
- Start with a practice ("dry") weapon, not electric. Electric blades, points and cords cost 2-3× as much and you don't need them until you're scoring bouts.
- Blade size runs 0 (smallest, youngest) to 5 (adult). Match your fencer's age/height, the club will tell you.
- Grip (foil/épée): a pistol grip is most common today; a French grip teaches point control. Follow your coach.
- Buy a spare tip/blade once competing, blades break, always at the worst time.
Not sure which weapon? Read foil, épée and sabre.
Where to buy
1
ShopUSAFencing (official USA Fencing kits)
Official beginner starter kits by weapon, built with Absolute Fencing Gear. The safe default.
2
Absolute Fencing Gear
The biggest US supplier. Deep starter-set range from basic practice to competition-legal.
3
Morehouse Fencing Gear
One-stop shop with discounted starter bundles for foil, epee and sabre.
4
Blue Gauntlet
Discounted beginner sets for kids and adults.