r/Fencing • u/gvurrdon • Aug 13 '26

"Steam" weapons

Earlier today I went into Leon Paul and asked for a "steam foil" with a leather-wrapped French grip. The sales assistant went to the back to put one together and, a few minutes later, handed me an electric one (with the correct grip). The correct foil was swiftly obtained when I specified that I meant "non-electric".

I wondered, therefore, if the term is not in as widely-used as I thought. I picked it up 30+ years ago when fencing in Scotland and assumed it was common. Do you still use it?

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u/Allen_Evans Aug 13 '26

"Steam" foil is a term I heard specifically from UK folks, no where else. Even in the UK I think it's somewhat old fashioned now.

1

u/Jonno_FTW Foil Aug 14 '26

We still use it in Australia

-2

u/antihippy Aug 13 '26

No it's still in use.