Epée du combat should have a dish guard. When we originally discussed this, my own though was for a smallsword simulator that would feel like a smallsword without the cost of the complex hilt. I'd like to see this bilobic guards, a short smallsword grip - probably with a short section of metal between the guard and grip to simulated the corps de la garde and a smalls ball pommel. Basicall take a smallsword and cut off the annelets, quillon and revers. Grip should be around 4.5 inches in length without any cant. Balanced for a number 2 epée blade.