Though the technique of two-weapon fighting went out of style as single blade weapons and techniques evolved, it is still a central part of the history of fencing. Two-weapon, or dual wield, combat was common in the late Middle Ages and early Renaissance period in Europe. There are a number different weapons that were wielded in the off-hand. The Main Gauche (French for left hand) was a small parrying dagger, while the notched sword breaker was a longer dagger that was designed to catch the blade of an opponent’s sword. There are several myths about heroes and warriors wielding two swords of equal size, but these are often exaggerated, as a consistent technique for wielding two heavy weapons just doesn’t exist.
Though modern fencing is now based around a primary weapon, there are still a few fencing schools that allow the use of two weapons. The main exception is Japanese kendo where two weapons of different size are still allowed in competition; though this is rare.