Fencing gear is the equipment used by fencers in the sport of fencing. It includes the epee (4 letters), foils (5 letters), epees (5 letters) and SABER (5 letters). The epee is a thrusting weapon with a triangular cross-section blade and a large bell guard. Foils are lightweight thrusting weapons with a rectangular cross-section blade and a small bell guard. Epees are heavier versions of the foil, with a larger bell guard. Sabers are curved slashing weapons with a large bell guard. All fencing gear must be approved by the International Fencing Federation for use in competition.