2.8  Blades

     There are a large number of variables to consider when shopping
     for blades, including stiffness, length, durability, flex point,
     weight, balance, corrosion resistance, and (of course) price.

     Stiff blades provide better point control, but less
     "flickability".  A flex point less than 1/3 of the length from
     the tip indicates a strong middle, but may also indicate a whippy
     or less durable foible.  A lower flex point may make the blade
     feel spongy, slow, or tip-heavy, but may also indicate a stronger
     foible that is more durable and less easily dominated.  Some
     brands of blades (eg. Allstar) are sold in different flexibility
     grades.

     Blades generally come in 5 sizes, 5 being the longest (90 cm for
     foil and epee) and by far the most common.  Shorter blades are
     somewhat lighter and quicker of action, and can be useful for
     children, fencers who prefer the lighter balance, or those who
     often provoke infighting in which a long blade can be
     disadvantageous.

     Cheap blades (including some Eastern European and Chinese brands)
     are typically not very durable or of poor temper, being inclined
     to snap, bend, and rust easily.  Fencers who are gentle with
     their blades and clean, sand, or oil them regularly may
     nevertheless find them to be a good value.

     Blades typically break at the flex point in the foible.  Less
     commonly the tips will break off, or the tang will snap at the
     base of the blade (this latter failure mode is fairly common in
     sabre).  Other serious modes of failure include sharp bends in
     the middle of the blade and S-bends in the foible, both of which
     are difficult to remove and will rapidly lead to fatiguing and
     eventual breaking of the blade.