Description

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

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.

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)