How to Take the Blade in Epee Fencing

In fencing taking the blade is also called a prise de fer, which is French for "taking the steel". Though the terms may mislead you, taking the blade has more to do with redirecting your opponent's weapon than it does actually taking it from them. Regardless it is one of the most important weapons in your fencing arsenal. We will be learning several different ways to take the blade, or prise de fer.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fencing equipment
• Practice

1. Using a sweeping motion move your opponent's blade in a complete circle around your own. Make sure to control your opponent's blade as he will be looking for an opportunity to find your target area. You'll recognize the Envelopment as one of the most popular moves used in television and feature film fencing.

2. Knock your opponent's blade out of line using the foible of your sword against the foible of your opponent's weapon.

3. Using the strongest part of the blade, the forte, push the weakest part of your opponent's weapon, the foible, from high-line to low-line on the same side and follow with a lunge while the blades are still in contact.

4. Use your fingers and thumb to provide the force to press smoothly on the foible of your opponent's weapon, taking his blade out of line.

5. The forte of your blade lays across the foible of your opponent's blade on the inside line. With a strong, sudden, straight downward motion move your opponent's blade from four to seven. If an Expulsion is executed strongly and quickly enough it can actually facilitate a disarm letting you literally take the blade.

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