The company, founded in 1772 and are based in England, will partner with the governing body until mid-2017.

They will support British Fencing through a campaign featuring media, digital and public relations support in a bid to help the nation’s athletes in the build-up to this year’s Games.

Wilkinson Sword claim the deal “perfectly marries the brand with a team who are highlighted for success this summer”.

As part of the agreement, Wilkinson Sword will put on a demonstration of the sport at London Waterloo station on June 9, which will allow passers-by to try out fencing and learn more about the various disciplines.

They will also introduce a specially-designed lens on social networking site Snapchat, giving users the opportunity to use a unique filter to see their face transformed in a fun and surprising way by a British fencer.

Participants will then be encouraged to share their content via other platforms such as Twitter and Facebook.

“We are delighted to welcome Wilkinson Sword as our first official partner,” British Fencing chief executive Georgina Usher said.

“The Wilkinson Sword brand has a strong historic connection with fencing, and together we look forward to writing a new exciting chapter in the sport.

“Not only will this partnership support our qualified squad, but it will also provide some fantastic opportunities for a new audience to connect with fencing.”

Britain will send a four-strong fencing team to Rio 2016, Laurence Halsted, Richard Kruse and James Davis and Marcus Mepstead, all of whom will compete in the foil events at the Games.

They will seek to earn their first Olympic medal since London 1908.

“Sponsorship plays such an important role in achieving success in Olympic sports, and this backing is a real vote of confidence in the squad as we prepare for Rio,” Davis, the current world number five, said.

“I’ve always used Wilkinson Sword razors, so I’m thrilled they are a part of my journey.”