Foil
The modern foil is the descendant of a French practice blade used for teaching the skills of a true rapier or military sword. The original was light and flexible so that it would not cause serious injury. The point was still sharp, however, so that a successful attack would draw blood.
Epee
The modern epee is decendant of a military rapier or dueling sword. It is stiffer and heavier than the foil and has a larger guard. Like the foil, the epee scores only with the point but uses the entire body as valid target.
Sabre
The sabre is thought by many people to be the descendant of a calvary sword. It is much more likely that it comes from a variety of Italian and eastern European blades with simular characteristics. The sabre is the only fencing blade that allows a cutting attack. The point is still a valid attack but is de-emphasized in sabre. The blade is triangular and flexible only at the tip. The guard wraps around the entire hand to protect it from the opponent's attacks. The target area is everything above the waist except the hands.
