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| Home :: Historical Weapons :: Épées |
Épées |
| The épée evolved from civilian weapons such as the smallsword in the late 17th century and became the true dueling sword of the 18th and early 19th centuries. The épée developed when authorities in the 19th century decided that they did not like the killing aspect of the duel, and changed it to a "first blood" sport, thus requiring much more skill as a nick on the wrist or other exposed area could end the duel. But this does not mean that no duelist using the épée died. Of course it would be the goal of each duelist to kill his opponent, and not to simply give a minor flesh wound. Since the Épée was so common in duel, craftsmen decided to tweak the weapon itself. Because a wound to the hand or wrist could end a bout, smiths created épées with larger guards to protect the wrist and hand. Today, épée fencing very much resembles 19th century dueling. There is no right of way. An épée fencer must hit the target with the tip of the weapon. A difference between épée and foil versus sabre is that a corps-a-corps or "body to body" contact between fencers need is not necessarily an offense, unless it is done with "brutality or violence"; however, it still results in an immediate "halt" to play. |
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