Brief History of Fencing

The earliest images of swords being used in sport date back to 1200 B.C. in Egypt. There are images of combatants using sharp, stabbing weapons with knobs on one end for easier carrying and control. As early as 1500 B.C., the Europeans were making swords from bronze. Their grips were designed for one hand, as soldiers used their other hand for shields. Swords at this time were designed for cutting, rather than thrusting, and so were sharpest along the edge and somewhat rounded at the tip.

Beginning in the 5th century A.D., armor began to be improved greatly, which meant that the slicing part of swords were rendered less effective. Engineers began to concentrate on the tip of the sword, sharpening it to optimize the thrust aspect of the weapon. Additionally, the sword became the weapon of choice for personal protection rather than being singled out for the battlefield. The hilt design around the grip or handle of the sword became popular, protecting the sword bearer