They're only flexible laterally. Even then though, would you really want to play with something that represents a real sabre? These hurt bad enough.

Sabre is all about rules. You have right of way: the first person to attack gets the point in case of a double touch. To take right of way away, you must parry then get a touch (riposte). Target areas are the waist up. Everything else is null.

It's a very gentlemanly sport, as is foil. Epee is knockdown, drag out beat the other guy into submission as quick as you can.