The swords I fence with are much too large to punch through a mask if the tip broke off. I somehow doubt that makes them less dangerous, despite the stupid amounts of protection I wear. I tried some foil fencing, but it just didn't compare to the historical fencing I do. In historical fencing I use a dagger in my offhand, so I get two pointy things! The sword I fence with is not so pretty though, being cheap and much used, very dented slightly rusty bell gaurd. I also have a shiny pretty Spanish rapier that I certainly do not fence with. Much too pretty, plus the blade is wrong.