This blog aims to demystify the process of selecting the appropriate blade size for your child, based on their age and the specific weapon they are interested in.

Fencing involves three primary types of blades - Foil, Epee, and Sabre. Each has its unique characteristics and rules, and the blade size is a key consideration and is determined by the fencer's age. Selecting the correct blade size is crucial. A blade that is too long or heavy can hinder a young fencer's learning and technique. Personalized advice from your child’s coach is also advisable.

The main area of confusion is in sabre blade length. This is because blade sizes were decided on by individual fencing counties rather than the FIE international governing body. Blade sizes were worked out by taking the maximum length of the size 5 blade and taking away an agreed length in cm or inches. The French and the British were the first to start using smaller blades for children, and someone somewhere made a mistake many years ago. The US then copied the French and the British.

Someone accidentally thought that Foil, Epee and Sabre blades were all one length, and so took the length 90 cm and subtracted standard amounts of cm or inches. However, as we all know… sabre blades, the maximum length is 88 cm not like foil and Epee at 90cm. Therefore, all French, US, and British blade lengths for sabres are different from the rest of the world. As junior events are not FIE regulated, no one has ever made an international standard, so at least three countries have rules that are different from all others.

This document puts the regulations, to the best of our knowledge all in one location.

I have also included guard sizes. For the mini guard size there is no regulation stating this must be used for any specific length of sword or age of fencer. They are available for fencers who prefer smaller, lighter guards; however, they do not meet FIE standards, so they cannot be used at FIE competitions.

Here’s a quick guide:

Foil Blades:
Under 10 Years Old: Size 0
10 - 14 Years Old: Size 3 in the UK, size 2 elsewhere
15 Years and Over: Size 5

Epee Blades:
Under 10 Years Old: Size 0
10 - 14 Years Old: Size 2
15 Years and Over: Size 5

Sabre Blades:
Under 10 Years Old: Size 0
10 - 14 Years Old: Size 2
15 Years and Over: Size 5