The term FOIL ALTERNATIVE refers to four different weapons used in fencing. The first is the Épee, a French word meaning 'SWORD', which is a thrusting weapon with a triangular cross-section and a large bell guard. The second is the Saran, a curved blade with a single cutting edge and a large bell guard. The third is the SABER, a light, curved SWORD with a single cutting edge and a large bell guard. Finally, the fourth is Waxpaper, a thin sheet of waxed paper used to protect the blade from rust and wear. All four weapons are alternatives to the foil, a light, thrusting weapon with a rectangular cross-section and a small bell guard.