I competed in men's individual and team sabre at the World Junior Championships in the late 80's. I can't recall having ever seen a serious fencer holding a weapon with a finger extended along the ricasso. Normally, I've seen that finger wrapped around the quillions.

But, as has been pointed out, the pictures were supposed to showcase the costumes, and those are brilliant! Where do you get your boffer weapons from? Have you seen RSW?