Classical French Foil

$239.95

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Description

A French foil for Classical Fencing

Our Classical French Foil enhances performance and education of French fencing by its adherence to traditional French specifications. The blade, guard, grip, and other parts represent the most effective and popular historical patterns, and the marriage of these parts is done traditionally with wood, leather and steel. The foil is timeless and won’t lose its value as a fencer progresses in skill. The size of the blade and grip also scale to each and every height and preference.

Designed by French Fencing Masters

Though built by Benjamin Arms, the design of this foil attributes to French fencing masters over the last two hundred years. The iconic figure eight guard was unique to French masters and French foils. The grip’s shape, size, and curvature were patterned from surviving antiques. Boëssière in 1818, and Chapman in 1861 both recommend square shaped grips to not fatigue the hand. The grip tapers evenly to the conical pommel, once sold by Souzy Paris and many other 19th century French retailers. It’s not Benjamin Arms that recommends this foil for French fencing, but rather the French masters of the past.

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.

French FOil Sizing

French foils are built proportionately to the user but also to fit particular training methodology. Our 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)

Specifications

  • Variable length blade with leather & cord button
  • Left or right hand canted
  • Steel figure 8 guard (3.50 H x 2.25 W)
  • Black leather finger pad with premium felt face
  • 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

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