Blade Size:
Blade Size: #0 - under 8 yrs old,
Blade Size: #2 - under 10 yrs old,
Blade Size: #5 - over 12 yrs old.
Pistol Grip
The pistol grip (otherwise known as the anatomical or orthopedic grip) was originally developed for a nineteenth-century Italian aristocrat, L.Visconti, master of fencing, who lived in Belgium and had lost fingers in a tram accident. It contours entirely to ones hand and is held much like a pistol, hence the name. This grip has become popular among sports fencers in the late twentieth century because of the way it enhances a fencers lateral strength for the parry (block), complements the agility and athleticism of competitors, though, critics allege, at the cost of blade sensitivity finesse. There are several types of pistol grips, such as the basic Visconti, the German, and the Russian (any of which are what most people refer to as a pistol grip), and the American, all providing a somewhat firmer hold for the user of the weapon. The subtle variations in the pistol grip may correspond loosely to different fencing styles.
In high-level fencing, pistol grips are universally preferred in foil, and are used by a large percentage of epee fencers because they allow stronger blade movements. A substantial number of epeeists at all levels use French grips while posting (holding the grip near the pommel instead of the guard) because of the longer reach. Posting is almost unheard of in foil, as it decreases ones ability to parry successfully, and thus increases an opponents chance of a successful hit or remise. Colors may vary from the sample listed picture.