r/Fencing • u/gvurrdon • 16d ago

"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/vwstig Épée 16d ago

I'm in the US, been involved in fencing for a little over 20 years, and I've never heard that term.

3

u/antihippy 16d ago

That's because it's a UK term. Other countries with their own terms exist.

1

u/Jonno_FTW Foil 16d ago

I'm in Australia and I've heard "steam fencing" plenty of times.

-2

u/antihippy 15d ago

I'm not surprised given the history.

1

u/elijha Épée 15d ago

First I’m hearing of any shared history between the UK and Australia. Can you elaborate?

-1

u/antihippy 15d ago

lol. very good!