Blade Finesse in Olympic Form
Posted by MRL on Aug 11th 2016
The Olympics are certainly exciting, as you watch skilled athletes perform amazing physical feats. Although most Olympic events can be traced back to ancient times, the one that intrigues Museum Replicas the most has to be fencing. Based on swordsmanship but with the intent of lethality removed, fencing has been a viable sport since the 1760's. In modern-day fencing there three distinct styles, with separate rules and point systems based on the type of sword used. The three sword styles are the foil, epee, and saber. Numerous advances have been made to fencing with it becoming a recognized sport. Originally, tracking the score of duelists was done by having a pronged or spiked end at the fencing sword that would hook clothing on contact so that a judge could see the hit. As time moved forward, this pronged tip would be replaced by a blunted tip covered in paint or chalk. Alongside the traditional white fencing suit, this made tracking hits easier and less painful. Finally, in modern fencing, electric suits make tracking hits instantaneous and easy to perceive without the naked eye. Fencing is a time-honored sport. So, who are you rooting for?