Fencing Sword Wall Mount

High Quality Fencing Sword Wall Mount

We designed our Fencing Sword Wall Mount to fit and pair with the elegance of our classical fencing weaponry. Each mount fits all our foils, dueling swords, and sabres. Mounting your swords on the wall helps prevent rust while gracefully displaying your collection. Mount your antique swords with some vintage fencing artwork or memorabilia as your own little museum, or mount your practice foil next to our Foil Practice Target to make a convenient training center.

Stainless Steel

The shield-shaped stainless steel mount will never lose it’s luster, and your weapon rests on black rubber rails to keep it from sliding off.

Brass

The brass mount is slightly smaller in height but offers the same 1″ width to fit your fencing swords. Also features two small holes on the back to thread fishing line through and tie your sword into place. Brass will slightly tarnish with age.

Useful Tips For Using our Fencing Sword Wall Mount

Our fencing sword wall mounts easily attach to the wall with a drywall anchor and screw, or with an angled nail. We recommend attaching the mount to a wall stud for heavier weapons, but this is usually not necessary. Mount weapons at any height, though we recommend 50″ from the floor. You may also drape fabric over the mount’s rails for a color contrast, or tie decorative ribbon around the mount and your sword to fully secure it. Be sure to share your finished & mounted collection with us on Facebook!

19th Century Fencing Weapon & Memorabilia Exhibit

These wall mounts displayed twenty antique fencing weapons at the 19th Century Fencing Weapons & Memorabilia Exhibit at La Nacional in New York City on October 20th, 21st, and 22nd. Benjamin Bowles, owner and swordmaker at Benjamin Arms co-curated this exhibit and lectured on 19th Century manufacturing methods. Read more about the exhibit here. Museum discounts and bulk pricing (on orders of more than 10) is available upon request.

Specifications

16 gauge stainless steel.
Black Neoprene rubber rails.
4.5″ height, 3.5″ protrusion off wall.
1/8″ mounting hole.
1.25″ wide (accommodates 1″ blade width).

Foil Practice Target

When we sheltered in place we sorted through our supply of canvas and lambskin leather and designed a limited run of colored practice wall targets for you to train at home. Only available while supplies last!

Add more variation to your home practice by adding a Fencing Practice Ball!

Classical Fencing Practice Target

All classical fencers need practice to stay in top form. Regular target practice maintains basic actions giving time for more complicated techniques with the master. Every 19th century salle had wall-mounted targets which many retailers sold for personal use. Our hand-made foil fencing practice target features a canvas and leather front padded by a dozen layers of cotton. The target’s back is covered with felt to protect any surface it hangs on. The cotton batting provides superior loft and softens vibrations into the body. Our targets come with adjustable hanging hardware which install with only a hammer. Read more about how to use our foil practice targets to increase your accuracy and control below.

“Practice makes permanent, but perfect practice makes perfect.” – Jared Kirby, Maestro de Armas, Martinez Academy of Arms

Fencing Practice Target & Ball

We incorporated a hook in the baseplate of the Practice Ball to hang our cushioned wall target. The two together give you much more flexibility in your home practice. Click here!

Suggested Target Exercises

Center Accuracy: Measure the distance to the target and practice hitting the exact center of the target. Practice fully extending the arm before lunging and recovering to a proper guard. Carefully practice the position of your hands, shoulders, and knees.

Quadrant Accuracy: Practice hitting the center of each diagonal target rail with the corresponding hand position. These quadrants represent the four quarters the body divides into.

Compound Attacks: Use the diagonal target rails to practice feinting low and attacking high (and the reverse). Practice feinting in the same line multiple times before lunging.

Reposts: Measure an extension distance to the target and practice accurate reposts to all lines at close range.

Repost from the Lunge: Lunge at the target’s center and practice parrying and reposting while in the lunge. Alternate the attacks and reposts.

Specifications

9 inch diameter foil fencing practice target
Not recommended for sabre or epee
Not recommended for electric weapons
Solid wood backing covered with green felt
Canvas face with four lambskin target rails and bulls-eye
Canvas boarder with steel tacks
Adjustable hanging cord included
Drywall anchor included

Fencing Sword Bag

This Fencing Sword Bag fits all our weapons

The most preventative measure to keep rust off your weapons is by separating them from sweaty equipment and the elements. Our Fencing Sword Bag protects your sword from damage and rust during transport and storage. We hand-make our Fencing Sword Bags in black canvas in a variety of sizes measured by the width of their opening. Our classical fencing weapons easily fit inside of the bag which closes with a brass zipper.

The 6″ and 8″ bags accommodate all blade lengths 35 inches and lower. The poignard bag is also 6″ in. These bags fit most foils and épées though may not fit larger weapons and sabres with guards exceeding 5” in diameter.

Which Size is do I Need?

Our bags are ordered by the width of their opening. The length of our 6″ and 8″ bags accommodate all foil and épée blade lengths from 30 to 35 inches long. The 6″ dagger bag is shorter and fits dagger blade lengths from 15-17 inches. Use the chart below to determine which bag fits your Benjamin Arms weapon.

	6” Bag	8” Bag	6″ Dagger Bag
Foils
Classical French Foil	√
Merignac Foil	√
Versatile French Foil	√
Superior French Foil	√
Northern Italian Foil		√
Dueling Swords
Classical French Epee		√
Superior French Epee		√
Classical Italian Epee		√
Poignards
French Poignard			√

Useful Tips when Using our Bags

Clean your weapon with a soft cloth removing all fingerprints and moisture before bagging.
Avoid transporting bagged swords with sweaty jackets or masks in a case. Use a separate gym bag for clothes.
Store your bagged sword on a shelf or high place as moisture settles down toward the floor.
Weekly polishing of your weapon, having used it or not, helps keep it in its best condition.
When traveling with your sword place a business card in the bag in case it’s lost.

Fencing Practice Ball

When we sheltered in place we made a large batch of colored practice wall targets in a variety of bright colors! Pair one of these limited edition targets with our Fencing Practice Ball and add new variations to your at-home practice. Available only while supplies last!

Classical Fencing Practice Ball

Step up your home practice with our Fencing Practice Ball. Regular practice on the ball can quickly develop crucial skills required of classical fencers. Develop point control by directly hitting the ball at extension, demi-lunge, and lunge distances. Set the ball swinging side to side and develop finger dexterity by disengaging around it. Perfect your tempo by feinting opposite the ball’s movement. These and more drills are recommended below!

Fencing Practice Target & Ball

We incorporated a hook in the baseplate of the Practice Ball to hang our cushioned wall target. The two together give you much more flexibility in your home practice. Click here!

Suggested Exercises with the Ball

Point Control: Take your extension distance to the ball and practice hitting the center in all the hand positions you know. Then expand the distance and practice at your demi-lunge and lunge distance.

Finger Dexterity: Position yourself on guard at a close enough distance so that the point of your weapon is one inch past the ball. Set the ball swinging side to side and practice disengaging around the ball. Repeat for various high-line hand positions (4th & 6th).

Feints: Set yourself on guardat extension distance to the ball and set it swinging side to side. As the ball reaches it’s apex on each side, feint with a full extension to the opposite side. Deceive the ball as it returns and feint laterally to the opposite side again.

Stop Thrust & Lungeback: Set yourself on guard at extension distance to the ball and set it swinging lightly front to back. Hit the ball with a lunge backwards or stop thrust as it returns forward from it’s swing.

Mounting Instructions & Adjusting

Determine the location
Measure 62″ up from the floor
Drill two level holes 4 ” apart (1/4″ holes if using drywall anchors, 1/8″ without)
Add the drywall anchors (if using) and screw the screws into place
Mount the Practice Ball over these screws.

We’ve engineered our Practice Ball to lock securely into place at 90 degrees and also when collapsed against the wall when not in use. The ball is suspended by black paracord and the height of the ball is quickly adjusted by knots in the cord anchoring it to the swing arm. You can use the knots we tied or add any of your own to tailor the height to fit you.

Specifications

Stainless steel swing arm and base with locking bronze hinge
Built-in hook to hang Fencing Practice Target
Adjustable paracord with preset knots to change ball height
Drywall anchor and screws included
Recommended for foil, epee, or sabre

Northern Italian Foil

Northern Italian Foil Fencing

Fencing schools in the 19th century never comprised the entirely of a country or culture. There were two distinct systems of fencing in Italy: Northern and Southern. While both originated from rapier fencing, the two systems varied slightly in the construction of the foil and more pronounced in the application. The Northern system borrowed techniques from the French school though with a strong, wide stance and more extended arm. We designed this Northern Italian foil to the exact specifications of a great fencing master of the Northern school: Luigi Barbasetti.

Designed by Maestro Luigi Barbasetti in 1902

Maestro Luigi Barbasetti was born in Cividale, Italy on February 21, 1859. He trained under both Maestro Giuseppe Radaelli and Maestro Masaniello Parise, though was widely considered a practitioner of the Northern Italian school of fencing. In his 1902 text La Scherma di Spada, Barbasetti detailed the construction of his foil which we faithfully reproduced:

	Barbasetti, 1902	Benjamin Arms’ Northern Italian Foil
Blade: 35”	√	√
Guard: 4.75”	√	√
Ricasso: 6 cm	√	√
Crossbar: 5.00”	√	√
Pad: Cushioned Leather	√	√
Grip: 3.12”	√	√
Fish skin grip wrapping	√	√
Conical pommel shape	√	√
Pommel Length: 4cm	√	√

True Ricasso or False Ricasso?

The ricasso is the portion of blade between the guard and crossbar which the Italian fencer grips directly. We build our Northern Italian Foil with a true ricasso or false ricasso. A false ricasso mounts tightly on a French-tang blade to imitate a ricasso. Italian fencing masters assert the ricasso allows Italian fencers to feel the actions on the sword better than their contemporaries the French, Spanish, etc. It’s therefore figured a false ricasso stifles this benefit. While we absolutely recommend the true ricasso configuration for it’s historical accuracy, we don’t believe false ricassos diminish a fencer’s sensitivity to the sword. History demonstrates through it’s many masters that a ricasso is not required to be a successful, effective, or competitive fencer. We utilize false ricassos to offer a longer blade length and versatility to mount a variety of blades.

*Note: Above photos are of the true ricasso type unless noted in top left corner*

	Ricasso Length	Blade Length	Benefits	Drawbacks
True Ricasso	6 cm	~34.5”	True ricasso more historically accurate	Slightly shorter blade; more fitting required for replacement blade
False Ricasso	6 cm	35”	Longer blade more historically accurate; blade replaceable with French-tang blade; false ricasso can be removed to use true ricasso blade.	Thicker than true ricasso; slight added weight

Traditional Construction

Benjamin Arms builds all weapons to exacting specifications determined by the desired handling characteristics, school of fencing, and aesthetic tastes. We hand-carve shock-absorbing wood for the grip’s core to diminish vibrations from the blade into the hand. Each hand-fit component make a strong and durable foil for consistent and reliable use.

Italian Foil Sizing

Italian foils were not sized to the fencer as much as French weaponry. The Northern Italian Foil does not come in any other sizes than those specified by Luigi Barbasetti in 1902.

Specifications

Leather & cord button on blade.
Spun steel guard (4.75 inch diameter) with matte-black interior enamel coating
3D printed, solid steel crossbar
Machine screws attach guard & crossbar for easy removal & tightening
Ivory-colored lambskin finger pad
3D printed, solid steel false ricasso
Hand carved wood-core grip wrapped in black fish skin (shagreen)
Conical pommel slots into grip ferrule (end-cap) with 6x1mm threading
Ambidextrous
AHF tournament compliant

Crossed Fencing Swords Wall Mount

We designed our Crossed Fencing Swords Wall Mount to get your collection of weapons out of the closet and proudly displayed above a door or in your study. The mount’s frame is precision cut stainless steel while the decorative shield face is in contrasting brass. Your weapons rest on black rubber rails and are levered with gravity to keep from sliding off. Mount your old (or new!) fencing swords above your awards or memorabilia to elegantly exhibit your achievements.

Useful Tips

Our Crossed Fencing Swords Wall Mount easily attaches to the wall with the included screw and pushpin. We recommend attaching the mount to a wall stud for heavier weapons, but this is not usually necessary. We also include a screw anchor for drywall mounting, which fits into a 1/4″ drilled hole. The mount can hold either two or four weapons depending on the size of their blades and guards. This mount is designed more for “long term storage” and we recommend our single mounts for “day to day” use. Be sure to share your finished & mounted collection with us on Facebook!

Specifications

16 gauge stainless steel frame.
20 gauge brass front shield.
Black Neoprene rubber rails.
4.5″ height, 3″ protrusion off wall.
Accommodates .5″ blade width.

Fencing Target and Ball

FENCING Target & BALL

Regular practice with a wall target maintains perfect extensions, lunges, and hand positions. Add the practice of hitting the ball to quickly develop point control and tempo. Set the ball in motion and theres much more you can do with both. Step up your home practice with our fencing target and ball duo.

Suggested Exercises

Attacking Around the Ball: Position yourself at lunge distance to the wall target and set the ball swinging side to side. As the ball reaches its apex on one, side fully extend and lunge to the opposite side. Recover before the ball returns.

Feinting and Attacking Around the Ball: Position yourself at lunge distance to the wall target and set the ball swinging side to side. As the ball reaches its apex on each side, feint with a full extension to the opposite side. Attack with a lunge after one, two, or three feints.

Mounting Instructions

Determine the location
Measure 62″ up from the floor
Drill two level holes 4 ” apart (1/4″ holes if using drywall anchors, 1/8″ without)
Add the drywall anchors (if using) and screw the screws into place
Mount the Practice Ball over these screws
Hang the target on the hook under the practice ball’s baseplate

Adjustable for All Fencers

The ball is suspended by black paracord and the height of the ball is quickly adjusted by knots in the cord anchoring it to the swing arm. You can use the knots we tied or add any of your own to tailor the height to fit you. The cushioned wall target is also suspended by paracord with a slipknot for quick adjustments.

SPECIFICATIONS

Practice Ball

Stainless steel swing arm and base with locking bronze hinge
Built-in hook to hang Fencing Practice Target
Adjustable paracord with preset knots to change ball height
Drywall anchor and screws included
Recommended for foil, epee, or sabre
Mounting hardware included

SPECIFICATIONS

Target

9 inch diameter foil fencing practice target
Not recommended for sabre
Solid wood backing covered with green felt
Canvas face with four lambskin target rails and bulls-eye
Canvas boarder with steel tacks
Adjustable hanging cord included

Superior French Foil

A Superior French Foil for the Advanced Fencer

The Superior French Foil is for veteran fencers with trained and polished technique. The foil features attractive components precisely built to enhance advanced technique and stay attractive for a lifetime of fencing. This foil celebrates a beginner’s graduation from our Classical French Foil: More beauty, specific functionality, and perfected handling transition the fencer from a student to an artist.

“Le fleurette plus bon”

What makes the Superior French Foil superior?

Hand ground & honed blade for rearward center of gravity and point-light handling.
Slightly curved grip for comfortable performance of advanced techniques during extended training hours.
Luxurious grip wrapping of durable Italian lambskin and stainless steel wire.
Attractive and distinctive Fleur de lys guard and urn-shaped pommel.

Traditional Construction

French FOil Sizing

French foils are built proportionately to the user but also to fit particular training methodology. Our Superior French Foil is customized to the user’s hand size and height. We give our sizing recommendations below, though an advanced fencer already knows their own needs and sizes. To measure for grip length, measure the hand from the tip of the index finger to the first crease of the wrist.

Hand Length (in.)	6.00	6.50	7.00	7.50	8.00	8 +
Grip Length (in.)	4.75	5.00	5.25	5.50	5.75	5.75

Fencer’s Height (in.)	< 48	48 – 54	54 – 60	60 – 66	66 – 70	70 – 74+
Blade Length (in.)	30 (#0)	31 (#1)	32 (#2)	33 (#3)	34 (#4)	35 (#5)

Specifications

Variable length blade with leather & cord button
Left or right hand canted
Steel fleur de lys guard (3.50 H x 2.25 W)
Black leather finger pad with premium felt face
Slightly curved wood-core grip with Italian lambskin and stainless steel wire wrapping
Steel grip ferrule (end-cap) matching pommel diameter
Machined urn-shaped pommel with 6x1mm threading
AHF tournament compliant

French fencing dagger with cord wrapped grip

French Poignard

Historically Designed French Poignard

The French Poignard is reproduced from originals in the private collection of Maestros Ramón Martínez and Jeannette Acosta Martínez. This type of dagger was manufactured from approximately the 1920’s until World War Two. Maître d’Armes Frederick Rohdes of New York used this type of dagger to teach single dagger, foil & dagger, as well as rapier and dagger which he learned from his teacher, Maître d’Armes Marcel Cabijos. Following in this tradition Maestro Ramón Martínez commissioned these daggers for use in the Martinez Academy of Arms. Similar daggers were once sold by Souzy de Lacam, Castello Fencing Equipment Co., and Joseph Vince Fencing Equipment. Our French Poignard features a hand-ground poignard blade, guard, and grip all designed from the originals in the Martinez collection.

“Dagger fencing is a traditional system that has been passed down from master to student. Firmly grounded in the French school, it is a system that includes thrust and cut technique but places its emphasis on thrusting. It utilizes both linear and circular footwork. There are three methods of gripping the dagger, which are the foil grip, the sabre grip and the reverse grip.” –Martinez Academy of Arms

Matched Pair for Foil and Dagger Fencing

We designed the French Poignard to match our Versatile French Foil for foil and dagger fencing. Both weapons feature steel rosettes, ivory-colored pads, cord wrapped grips, and conical pommels. The two weapons together make a beautiful and functional pair for foil and dagger training at the Martinez Academy of Arms and it’s affiliates.

Specifications

Ambidextrous
Hand ground & honed 17 inch blade with rolled point
Precision-cut rosette between guard and blade
Steel French poignard guard with black Interior enamel coating
Ivory-colored, cushioned Italian lambskin finger pad
Hand-carved wood grip wrapped with hardened cord and dyed black
Conical pommel slots into grip ferrule (end-cap) with 6x1mm threading
AHF tournament compliant

Classical French Épée

The Classical French Epee is designed for all levels of fencers. Its hand-crafted construction, traditional materials, and authentic design lets you learn and perform with the best sword that won’t lose value as you improve in skill.

French Epee Fencing Origins

19th century French fencers learned foil in part because those skills may be employed on the dueling ground. Fencers applied foil principles and techniques with the longer and sharpened dueling sword. Fencers did not train with the dueling sword itself until the late 19th century. Dueling was falling further out of favor, and foil fencing became overly academic and unrecognizable from its original purpose. Masters introduced an unsharpened epee for fencing to revive the original intent of the foil. We now call this epee fencing, but it’s simply conservatively and martially calibrated foil technique to overcome the perils of the dueling ground. Our Classical French Epee resembles the appearance and handling of a dueling sword for fencing in this classical method.

Designed by French Fencing Masters

Though built by Benjamin Arms, the design of the Classical French Epee originates masters of the last 150 years. Claude le Marche in 1898 and George Dubios in 1913 recommend guards around 13cm in diameter. The 13cm specification survived well beyond those gentlemen and into the United States with Julio Castello recommending a 5.25″ epee guard (13.3cm) in 1933. Claude le Marche further recommends a cord-wrapped grip and conical pommel. The grip, martingale, and cushioned finger pad were patterned from surviving antiques. It’s not Benjamin Arms that recommends this epee for French fencing, but rather the masters and armourers of the past.

Training with a Point d’Arret

Our Classical French Epee has a point d’arret attached to the point of the blade. A point d’arret is a small crown of three protruding teeth attached to the blade’s nail head with waxed thread. They simulate a sharp point by latching onto the fabric of the jacket and lead arm. Point d’arrets have been mentioned and recommended by many fencing masters since the 19^th century. Using point d’arrets gently remind fencers of the purpose and consequence of wielding sharpened swords.

Traditional Construction

French Epee Sizing

Our French epees have long 35″ blades. This 35″ blade became standard among duelists regardless of height. Our Classical French Epee has a grip customized to the user’s hand size. Always consult your instructor first for their recommendation on grip size. We give our recommendations below. Our recommendations for epee grips are longer than on foils because most masters recommend long epee grips. To measure for grip length, measure the hand from the tip of the index finger to the first crease of the wrist.

Hand Length (in.)	6.00	6.50	7.00	7.50	8.00	8 +
Grip Length (in.)	5.00	5.25	5.50	5.50	5.75	5.75

Specifications

Hand sharpened point d’arret point
35 inch, #5 French epee blade
Left or right hand canted
Spun steel guard with black Interior enamel coating (13cm diameter, 6cm deep)
Ivory-colored, cushioned Italian lambskin finger pad
Two-finger black leather martingale
Variable length grip, wood core wrapped with hardened cord and dyed black
Steel grip ferrule (end-cap) matching pommel diameter
Machined conical pommel with 6x1mm threading
AHF tournament compliant

French epee for fencing by Benjamin Arms

Superior French Epee

Superior French Epee for the Advanced Fencer

The Superior French Epee is for veteran fencers with trained and polished technique. It celebrates a graduation from our Classical French Epee. It features an attractive leather and wire grip and a faceted urn pommel. The slightly curved grip comfortably complements the sword’s French cant. It is precisely built to enhance advanced technique and stay attractive for a lifetime of fencing.

French Epee Fencing Origins

19th century French fencers learned foil in part because those skills may be employed on the dueling ground. Fencers applied foil principles and techniques with the longer and sharpened dueling sword. Fencers did not train with the dueling sword itself until the late 19th century. Dueling was falling further out of favor, and foil fencing became overly academic and unrecognizable from its original purpose. Masters introduced an unsharpened epee for fencing to revive the original intent of the foil. We now call this epee fencing, but it’s simply conservatively and martially calibrated foil technique to overcome the perils of the dueling ground. Our Superior French Epee resembles the appearance and handling of a dueling sword for fencing in this classical method.

Training with a Point d’Arret

Our Superior French Epee has a point d’arret attached to the point of the blade. A point d’arret is a small crown of three protruding teeth attached to the blade’s nail head with waxed thread. They simulate a sharp point by latching onto the fabric of the jacket and lead arm. Point d’arrets have been mentioned and recommended by many fencing masters since the 19^th century. Using point d’arrets gently remind fencers of the purpose and consequence of wielding sharpened swords.

Traditional Construction

French Epee Sizing

Our French epees have long 35″ blades. This 35″ blade became standard among duelists regardless of height. Our Superior French Epee has a grip customized to the user’s hand size. Always consult your instructor first for their recommendation on grip size. We give our recommendations below. Our recommendations for epee grips are longer than on foils because most masters recommend long epee grips. To measure for grip length, measure the hand from the tip of the index finger to the first crease of the wrist.

Hand Length (in.)	6.00	6.50	7.00	7.50	8.00	8 +
Grip Length (in.)	5.00	5.25	5.50	5.50	5.75	5.75

Specifications

Hand sharpened point d’arret point
35 inch, #5 French epee blade
Left or right hand canted
Spun steel guard with black Interior enamel coating (13cm diameter, 6cm deep)
Ivory-colored, cushioned Italian lambskin finger pad
Two-finger black leather martingale
Slightly curved wood-core grip with Italian lambskin and stainless steel wire wrapping
Steel grip ferrule (end-cap) matching pommel diameter
Machined urn-shaped pommel with 6x1mm threading
AHF tournament compliant

Mérignac French Foil

Maître d’Arms Lucien Mérignac Foil

Portrait courtesy of Bibliothèque Nationale de France: Gallica

Lucien Merignac, 1922

The Mérignac Foil is a tribute Maître d’Arms Lucien Mérignac, born in 1873 and died in 1941 at age 67. His fencing career helped end the rumors that French fencing was purely academic as he was an efficient, competitive, and dangerous fencer. He competed in the 1900 summer Olympic games and famously defeated fellow Frenchman Alphonse Kirchhoffer to win the gold medal in the master’s bracket. One notable assault was published in a 1906 New York Times article where Mérignac defeated Giuseppe Galante in the best of eight bouts:

“The Italian champion, though a splendid fencer, was clearly no match for him [Mérignac]. He lacked the Frenchman’s poise, his control, and his wonderful steadiness and endurance. It almost seemed that Mérignac, when aroused, could touch his opponent when he pleased.” New York Times, February 28, 1906.

Opposition System of Fencing

The guard on the Mérignac Foil facilitates strong opposition not easily escaped from. We’ve slightly lessened the cant granting these benefits in the smallest, most subtle motions. These conservative opposition actions are then more threatening by a long #4 or #5 blade. The Mérignac Foil performs the repertoire of opposition techniques sturdily and efficiently and owes its design to Monsieur Mérignac. Souzy de Lacam, Joseph Vince Fencing Equipment and Castello Equipment Co. all copied his design and sold Mérignac guards and foils.

Traditional Construction

French FOil Sizing

French foils are built proportionately to the user but also to fit particular training methodology. Since the Mérignac Foil is best with a long blade, the blade choices are fixed at longer lengths. The grip, however, may be customized to the user’s hand size. Always consult your instructor for their recommendation for your blade and grip size. We give our recommendations below. To measure for grip length, measure the hand from the tip of the index finger to the first crease of the wrist.

Hand Length (in.)	6.00	6.50	7.00	7.50	8.00	8 +
Grip Length (in.)	4.75	5.00	5.25	5.50	5.75	5.75

Fencer’s Height (in.)	< 65	65+
Blade Length (in.)	34 (#4)	35 (#5)

Specifications

Left or right hand canted
#5 or #4 length blade with leather & cord button
Steel Mérignac guard (3.75 H x 2.625 W)
Black leather finger pad with premium felt face
Variable length wood grip wrapped with hardened cord and dyed black
Steel grip ferrule (end-cap) matching pommel diameter
Machined conical pommel with 6x1mm threading
AHF tournament compliant

Round guard french foil for foil and dagger

Versatile French Foil

Versatile Foil for Many Applications

The Versatile French Foil is just that: versatile. Round guards are the most popular fencing guard in the world, found in both classical and Olympic fencing salles. Jean Kirchhoffer recommends using circular guards for foil fencing in the early 20th century. The Versatile French Foil can be used for beginning fencing instruction, classical foil and dagger fencing, or even in non-electric USFA foil competitions.

Designed Foil and Dagger Fencing

We specifically designed this foil for the teachers and students learning foil and dagger fencing at the Martinez Academy of Arms. Maestro Martinez recommends a long #4 or #5 blade, round guard, and leather martingale for his foil and dagger fencers. Maestro Martinez’ master, Maître d’Armes Frederick Rohdes of New York taught foil and dagger fencing which he learned from his teacher, Maître d’Armes Marcel Cabijos. In this tradition the senior students at his own and affiliate schools have learned foil and dagger fencing as seen in the 2015 Concours d’Escrime video.

Matched Pair for Foil and Dagger Fencing

We designed the Versatile French Foil to match our French Poignard for foil and dagger fencing. Both weapons feature steel rosettes, ivory-colored pads, cord wrapped grips, and conical pommels. The two weapons together make a beautiful and functional pair for foil and dagger training at the Martinez Academy of Arms and it’s affiliates.

French Foil Sizing

French foils are built proportionately to the user but also to fit particular training methodology. Since the Versatile French Foil’s designed purpose was for foil and dagger, the blade choices are fixed at longer lengths. The grip, however, may be customized to the user’s hand size. Always consult your instructor for their recommendation for your blade and grip size. We give our recommendations below. To measure for grip length, measure the hand from the tip of the index finger to the first crease of the wrist.

Hand Length (in.)	6.00	6.50	7.00	7.50	8.00	8 +
Grip Length (in.)	4.75	5.00	5.25	5.50	5.75	5.75

Fencer’s Height (in.)	< 65	65+
Blade Length (in.)	34 (#4)	35 (#5)

Traditional Construction

Specifications

Left or right hand canted
#5 or #4 length blade with leather & cord button
Precision-cut rosette between guard and blade
4 inch diameter spun steel guard with black Interior enamel coating
Ivory-colored, cushioned Italian lambskin finger pad
Two-finger black leather martingale
Variable length wood grip wrapped with hardened cord and dyed black
Steel grip ferrule (end-cap) matching pommel diameter
Machined conical pommel with 6x1mm threading
AHF tournament compliant
USFA tournament compliant (non-electric tournaments)

Small Foil Practice Target

Small Fencing Practice Target

All classical fencers need practice to stay in top form. Regular target practice maintains basic actions giving time for more complicated techniques with the master. This small hand-made foil fencing practice target features a canvas and leather front padded by thick upholstery foam which softens shock into the hand when struck. The target’s back is covered with felt to protect any surface it hangs on. Read our suggested practice exercises below and learn how to best use our foil practice targets to increase your accuracy and control.

Looking for Something Bigger?

If you’re an intermediate or advanced fencer you may be interested in our larger target with diagonal rails that enables practice of more complicated techniques. Click Here.

Suggested Target Exercises

Reposts: Measure an extension distance to the target and practice accurate reposts at close range.

Repost from the Lunge: Lunge at the target’s center and practice parrying and reposting while in the lunge.

Specifications

6 inch diameter foil fencing practice target
Not recommended for sabre or epee
Not recommended for electric weapons
Solid wood backing covered with black felt
Canvas face with lambskin leather bulls-eye
Canvas boarder with steel tacks
Adjustable hanging cord and mounting hardware included

Point d’Arrets

The primary target for dueling swords (epees) is the hand and arm which may be difficult to hit with a rubber or leather tipped blade. Point d’arrets, or stopping points in English, features three sharpened prongs that catch the jacket or glove’s fabric and simulates penetration into the hand or arm. They are crucial to maintain the proper mentality of a sharpened sword. We sell these points in multiples of three with enough waxed cord to replace them.

Attaching a Point d’Arret

Attaching a point d’arret is easy. Read our detailed guide with photographs here.

Available on all our Dueling Swords

Point d’arrets are included standard on all our dueling sword models, including our Classical French Epee, Superior French Epee, and Classical Italian Epee.

French Foil Starter Set

Start with Everything You Need

The French Foil Starter Set includes everything a new fencer needs: Our bestselling Classical French Foil is widely used in fencing schools around the country. Train at home with our cushioned and hand-stitched practice target. When your not training, display your purchase on our stylish stainless steel wall mount. When heading to class pack your foil in our zippered canvas sword bag that helps keep your foil looking it’s best. There’s no better option for the aspiring classical fencer.

Traditional Craftsmanship

Benjamin Arms builds this foil and the included accouterments to exacting specifications determined by the desired handling characteristics, school of fencing, and aesthetic tastes. We hand-carve shock-absorbing wood for the grip’s core to diminish vibrations from the blade into the hand. Each hand-fit component make a strong and durable foil for consistent and reliable use. Every item in the French Foil Starter Set is crafted to suit your needs.

French FOil Sizing

French foils are built proportionately to the user but also to fit particular training methodology. The included Classical French Foil is customized to the user’s hand size and height. Always consult your instructor for their recommendation for your blade length and grip size. We give our recommendations below. To measure for grip length, measure the hand from the tip of the index finger to the first crease of the wrist. The blade length is proportional to the fencer’s height, but some sizes of blades are not available. In that case its better to choose the closest option rounding up.

Hand Length (in.)	~6.00	~6.50	~7.00	~7.50	~8.00	8 +
Grip Length (in.)	4.75	5.00	5.25	5.50	5.75	5.75

Fencer’s Height (in.)	< 48	48 – 54	54 – 60	60 – 66	66 – 70	70 – 74+
Blade Length (in.)	30 (#0)	31 (#1)	32 (#2)	33 (#3)	34 (#4)	35 (#5)

Classical Italian Epee

Designed by Maestro Aurelio Greco in 1907

When designing the Classical Italian Epee we had no better choice than Maestro Aurelio Greco’s 1907 design. Aurelio Greco and his brother Maestro Agesilao Greco were the pioneers of a singular Italian epee system independent from foil fencing. Maestro Greco detailed the construction of his preferred epee in his text La Spada E La Sua Applicazione. The design features an offset crossbar and guard to better protect the hand’s outside. We copied this design exactly to specification with a brand new guard and crossbar. We studied and examined surviving antique weapons and catalogs to extrapolate other dimensions. The Classical Italian Epee is beautiful, functional, and dependable.

	Greco, 1907	Benjamin Arms’ Classical Italian Epee
Blade: 35”	√	√
Hemispherical Guard	√	√
Guard Diameter: 13cm	√	√
Guard Depth: 6cm	√	√
Offset Blade: 1cm	√	√
Crossbar Inset: 1cm	√	√
Threaded Pommel	√	√

Training with a Point d’Arret

Our Classical Italian Epee has a point d’arret attached to the point of the blade. A point d’arret is a small crown of three protruding teeth attached to the blade’s nail head with waxed thread. They simulate a sharp point by latching onto the fabric of the jacket and lead arm. Point d’arrets have been mentioned and recommended by many fencing masters since the 19^th century. Using point d’arrets gently remind fencers of the purpose and consequence of wielding sharpened swords.

True Ricasso or False Ricasso?

The ricasso is the portion of blade between the guard and crossbar which the Italian fencer grips directly. We build our Classical Italian Epee with a true ricasso or false ricasso. A false ricasso mounts tightly on a French-tang blade to imitate a ricasso. Italian fencing masters assert the ricasso allows Italian fencers to feel the actions on the sword better than their contemporaries the French, Spanish, etc. It’s therefore figured that a false ricasso stifles this benefit. While we absolutely recommend the true ricasso configuration for it’s historical accuracy, we don’t believe false ricassos diminish a fencer’s sensitivity to the sword. History demonstrates through it’s many masters that a ricasso is not required to be a successful, effective, or competitive fencer. We utilize false ricassos to offer the versatility to mount a variety of blades.

*Note: Above photos are of the true ricasso type unless noted in top left corner*

	Ricasso Length	Blade Length	Benefits	Drawbacks
True Ricasso	1.75″	~35.25”	True ricasso more historically accurate	More fitting required for replacement blade
False Ricasso	1.75″	35”	Blade replaceable with French-tang blade; false ricasso can be removed to use true ricasso blade	Thicker than true ricasso; slight added weight

Traditional Construction

Italian Epee Sizing

Italian epees were not sized to the fencer as much as French weaponry. The Classical Italian Epee does not come in any other sizes than those specified by Aurelio Greco in 1907. The sword’s offset guard and crossbar is built in right or left handed orientations.

Specifications

35 inch epee blade with point d’arret
Left or right hand orientation
Offset spun steel guard with gloss-black interior enamel coating (13cm diameter, 6cm depth)
Nickel finished solid steel crossbar to Greco specifications
Machine screws attach guard & crossbar for easy removal & tightening
Ivory-colored lambskin finger pad
Rectangular solid steel false ricasso (optional)
Hand carved wood-core grip wrapped in black fish skin (shagreen)
Conical pommel slots into grip ferrule (end-cap) with 6x1mm threading
AHF tournament compliant

Fencing Bayonet

Historically Designed Fencing Bayonet

Sword Versus Bayonet – from Harper’s Weekly, 1874.

The bayonet was employed by soldiers of most European militaries to defend against other bayonets or calvary charges. The methods of offense and defense were highly systematized and written into manuals by many authors of the late 19th century. One such author was George B. McClellan, Major General of the United States Army during the civil war. McClellan played an important role in raising a well-trained and organized army, and in 1862 authored The Manual of Bayonet Exercise that was chiefly based off the work by French fencing master Gomard:

“Gomard lays it down as a principle, that the most formidable antagonist an infantry soldier can encounter is an infantry soldier; that the bayonet is more formidable than either the lance or the sabre.” George B. McClellan, Commander-in-Chief U.S. Army 1861-1862, “Manual of Bayonet Exercise”, 1862.

Springfield Armory Model 1863

The training bayonet’s stock is a silhouette of the Springfield Armory Model 1863 rifled musket. These muskets were produced in the United States at the Springfield Armory between 1863 and 1865 and was the last muzzle-loading longarm produced by the Massachusetts armory.

Specifications

Ambidextrous
6 foot total length with blade
3/4″ thick, 56″ long impact resistant hickory wood stock
3D printed black plastic blade mount covered with black leather
Dismountable 16″ flexible fencing blade attached with 6mm thumb screw

Southern Italian Foil

Production Updates – Southern Italian Foil

Our Southern Italian Foil is currently under development. Add your name to the wish list to be notified when it’s available.

Southern Italian Fencing

Fencing schools in the 19th century never comprised the entirely of a country or culture. There were two distinct systems of fencing in Italy: Northern and Southern. While both originated from rapier fencing, the two systems varied slightly in the construction of the foil, and more in the application. The Southern schools were more aggressive in character than their Northern counterparts, and borrowed very little technique from other schools. It may be suggested Southern Italian fencing is more Italian in tradition than any other. We designed our Southern Italian Foil to the exact specifications of a great fencing master of the Southern school: Masaniello Parise.

Designed by Maestro Masaniello Parise in 1884

Maestro Masaniello Parise was appointed director of the Scuola Magistrale di Scherma of Rome in 1884. In his text, Trattato Teorico-Practico della Scherma di Spada e Sciabola, Masaniello Parise detailed the construction of his foil which we faithfully reproduced:

	Parise, 1884	Benjamin Arms’ Southern Italian Foil
Blade: 35”	√	√
Guard: 11cm	√	√
Ricasso: 6 cm	√	√
Crossbar: 13cm	√	√
Pad: Cushioned	√	√
Fish skin grip: 11cm	√	√

True Ricasso or False Ricasso?

The ricasso is the portion of blade between the guard and crossbar which the Italian fencer grips directly. We build our Southern Italian Foil with a true ricasso or false ricasso. A false ricasso mounts tightly on a French-tang blade to imitate a ricasso. Italian fencing masters assert the ricasso allows Italian fencers to feel the actions on the sword better than their contemporaries the French, Spanish, etc. It’s therefore figured a false ricasso stifles this benefit. While we absolutely recommend the true ricasso configuration for it’s historical accuracy, we don’t believe false ricassos diminish a fencer’s sensitivity to the sword. History demonstrates through it’s many masters that a ricasso is not required to be a successful, effective, or competitive fencer. We utilize false ricassos to offer a longer blade length and versatility to mount a variety of blades.

*Note: Above photos are of the true ricasso type unless noted in top left corner*

	Ricasso Length	Blade Length	Benefits	Drawbacks
True Ricasso	6 cm	~34.5”	True ricasso more historically accurate	Slightly shorter blade; more fitting required for replacement blade
False Ricasso	6 cm	35”	Longer blade more historically accurate; blade replaceable with French-tang blade; false ricasso can be removed to use true ricasso blade.	Thicker than true ricasso; slight added weight

Traditional Construction

Italian Foil Sizing

Italian foils were not sized to the fencer as much as French weaponry. The Southern Italian Foil does not come in any other sizes than those specified by Masaniello Parise in 1884.

Specifications

Leather & cord button on blade.
Spun steel guard (11 inch diameter including flange) with black interior enamel coating
3D printed, solid steel crossbar
Machine screws attach guard & crossbar for easy removal & tightening
Ivory-colored lambskin finger pad
3D printed, solid steel false ricasso (optional)
Hand carved wood-core grip wrapped in black fish skin (shagreen)
Conical pommel slots into grip ferrule (end-cap) with 6x1mm threading
Ambidextrous
AHF tournament compliant