I think the number 1 case to be made for providing swords is in sabre. There is a tremendous difference in hand protection, curvature, and weight amongst many swords that can be considered ‘military sabres’. I’ve seen tournament regulations for sabre running from basically no rules, or from weights from 700-900g which is a vast difference. Some will explicitly state “no dueling sabres” and few others will have stricter weight restrictions. Obviously, if there are no restrictions on hand guards then it is completely up to the fencer to decide if a large bowl hilt is better than a stirrup. I think handing everyone a “regulation military sabre” is actually pretty appropriate given the context of the weapon.
I think the number 1 case to be made for providing swords is in sabre. There is a tremendous difference in hand protection, curvature, and weight amongst many swords that can be considered ‘military sabres’. I’ve seen tournament regulations for sabre running from basically no rules, or from weights from 700-900g which is a vast difference. Some will explicitly state “no dueling sabres” and few others will have stricter weight restrictions. Obviously, if there are no restrictions on hand guards then it is completely up to the fencer to decide if a large bowl hilt is better than a stirrup. I think handing everyone a “regulation military sabre” is actually pretty appropriate given the context of the weapon.