Fencing:Blade Flexibility Testing

1. To determine if a weapon meets the standard of being "reasonably flexible": Hold the weapon parallel to the ground, supporting the handle against a table or bench if necessary. Hang a 6-ounce weight (170 grams) one inch (25 mm) distance from the tip.
2. If the blade of a dagger (up to 18 inches blade length) flexes at least 1/2 inch (12.5 mm) the blade is reasonably flexible.
3. For a rapier blade (18" or longer), the blade must flex at least 1 inch (25 mm).
4. For a cut and thrust rapier blade, the blade must flex at least 1/2 inch (12.5 mm).
5. Any blade 18 inches or longer, being used in melee combat, must flex at least 1 inch (25 mm).
6. Blades fitted to a Pole Weapon must flex at least 1.5 inches (37.5mm) and no more than 3.5 inches.