Hacker News Reader

So odd, I never expected for olympic fencing to be (or have been) actually dangerous. It always looks like the blade can bend at insane angles and that it could never harm anyone. A lot of unfortunate circumstances must have come together to allow this to happen.

View on HN

In fact, you are right, the mandatory regulations proposed for equipment after this tragic incident did turn fencing into one of the safest rival sports later on.

The blade bending at insane angles is the result of post-accident engineering to make sure this doesn't happen again at international levels. Training foils and beginner foils are made of cheaper steel that is a lot stiffer and breaks a lot sharper -- you are not allowed to fence in certain levels of competition with them at all.

Also, historical swords also could get very floppy with just the right amount of force...the movies lie to you somewhat.

Hehe, Joachim Meyer (1570) showcased techniques where he used the floppiness of his longsword (trainer; Federschwert) to cut around blocks and guards.

Here's the technique if anyone wants to see that.

[0] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7yZpqalEOg

Reply on news.ycombinator.com