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WABUKAN Arsenal · Swords · Europe

Sabre

A curved cavalry sword. In fencing it scores with the edge and the point, above the waist, and is the fastest weapon.

Sabre
Sabre WABUKAN illustration

Also known as

saber; sable; sabre

Origin and history

The sport sabre descends from the cavalry sabre and the training of 19th-century officers; Hungarian and Italian schools dominated it. It has been Olympic since 1896, and the target is everything above the waist, including arms and head.

Martial arts that use it

Olympic Fencing HEMA

Construction

A light blade of up to 88 cm with a guard that wraps around the knuckles; total weight under 500 g. Both cuts with the edge and thrusts score.

Basic techniques

Training

Beginners learn grip, posture and footwork first, then cutting and thrusting lines in solo forms or drills, usually with a wooden or blunt trainer. Paired drills with a partner come next, at slow speed, before any free sparring with protective gear.

Safety

Train with wooden, blunt or club-approved trainers; keep live blades for experienced practitioners under supervision. Check the blade, handle and fittings before every session, keep a clear space of at least two weapon lengths and never cut towards people.

Legality (general information)

Swords, knives and other edged weapons are regulated very differently from country to country (and sometimes from region to region): owning one at home is often allowed, while carrying it in public, buying it under a certain age or importing it may be restricted or banned. Practitioners usually transport them cased, out of reach and straight between home and dojo. This is general information, not legal advice: check the law where you live.

Did you know?

Since 1992 the running attack (flèche) is banned in sabre; fencers use the fast advance-lunge instead.

More weapons

Gladius Montante Falcata Katana Wakizashi Jian

Sources

Original WABUKAN text, written from these cross-checked sources (facts, not sentences).

  1. Wikipedia — Sabre (fencing)
  2. Wikipedia — Sabre