
Fencing is safe as long as you know what you're doing and take care to follow all of the rules and practices designed to keep you safe. The development of sport fencing has been an ongoing process for hundreds of years. Protective equipment and proper practices along with bouting procedures make having a serious injury very unlikely.
Fencing is a contact sport and martial art in which you attempt to strike your opponent with a long piece of steel. I would be lying to you if I told you it doesn't sometimes hurt, or sting, or leave a bruise. However, like any other contact sport, someone who is dedicated to the sport of fencing will quickly get use to the feel of the blade.
Yes!
A typical set of basic equipment is currently priced between $150-$200