Needing a sword

**davidlpope** · 28th February 10, 07:49 PM

For what it's worth, this is a U.S. Navy Officer's Sword, not a generic sword for folks in the U.S. Navy.

Cordially,

David

Originally Posted by Drac

Well one of my friends said why buy a sword I will only use probably use once. He said get a Navy sword so that when I make Chief I would have it to use for ceremonies, I will probably have a couple or more before I retire. I checked with a Chief to see if the saber is one of the uniform items that can be worn outside of a uniform and he said yes.

Here is the sword setup -

What do you guys think? To far away from "normal" look?

Thc,
Jim

**Mike M.** · 28th February 10, 07:52 PM

I tried to dig the cutlass regs up before my initial post, didn't find anything definite.

Personally, I'd recommend either going on Ebay and buying a cheap decorator, or contacting Armour Class and ordering something. Be advised they have a wait of ~5 months...I'm waiting it out myself.

**Drac** · 1st March 10, 06:05 AM

Originally Posted by davidlpope

My understanding is that the only Non-Commissioned Officers in the U.S. military who rate swords are Marine NCOs. Perhaps that's changed and I'm just not aware.

Cordially,

David

The Navy Chiefs occupy a weird place in military structure. They are the last appointed rank left in the military. They don't wear enlisted uniforms, they wear the officer's. When a ceremony requires a sword they use to wear a cutlass -

But as mentioned above the regs have changed.

Originally Posted by davidlpope

For what it's worth, this is a U.S. Navy Officer's Sword, not a generic sword for folks in the U.S. Navy.

Cordially,

David

This is what the Chiefs have moved to with the cutlass being removed. As far as I know there are no generic Navy swords since the late 1800's.

Jim

**fluter** · 1st March 10, 04:35 PM

Sounds like our kind of party!

I guess it's time to mention my dream sword, in case there are Heinlein fans about.

The Lady Vivamus, by Albion.

**berserkbishop** · 5th March 10, 05:09 PM

Originally Posted by Drac

The Navy Chiefs occupy a weird place in military structure. They are the last appointed rank left in the military. They don't wear enlisted uniforms, they wear the officer's. When a ceremony requires a sword they use to wear a cutlass -

But as mentioned above the regs have changed.

This is what the Chiefs have moved to with the cutlass being removed. As far as I know there are no generic Navy swords since the late 1800's.

Jim

I dont recall seeing a chief ever wear an officers sword for any ceremony, but I have seen officers use the officers sword in ceremonies. I think that as enlisted men in the Navy we just have to accept the fact that they dont want us playing with swords!

What is your rate by the way?

MM3 Bishop

**wildrover** · 5th March 10, 06:03 PM

I'm still fixated on the description of the wedding party, and I expect pictures, video, and other stuff.

...My advice is procure a blade capable of skewering an incoming chair, should the need arise!

**Drac** · 5th March 10, 06:08 PM

After about 15 years I made it up to ET1 off the last exam. I've been around though I was a nuc waste MM3 on a AOE than came back to the reserves as an ET3 in a message traffic unit. Moved over to a Beach Master unit and than into an avation unit when I moved. I did a little time in an intel unit though never out with them, just a cross assigned. Now my time is split between Specwar and the Sea Bees.

If I can get a subsurface gig in the next 5 years I think I will have covered all the communities.

Jim

**Andy Proffitt** · 19th May 10, 02:24 PM

Try the Hanwei Basket Hilt, they are well balanced and made out of carbon steel. Judging from your description, I you I would opt for a usable sword, an extra sgian dubh and maybe..I don't know...a .45. Have fun and take multiple video cameras.

**Orthzar** · 19th May 10, 03:47 PM

It sounds like the wedding would be a hoot to watch on the Silver Screen. Though, I might opt for a breast plate or a concealable kevlar bullet-proof vest...maybe both, that is, if your family is as rambunctious as the bride and groom seem to be.

Personally, I would not take a sword. I would opt for a bowie knife that has around an 8" blade. It would be lighter than a sword and you would not have to adjust it every time you decide to turn around quickly. I like the bowie idea most of all because you could cut food without cutting the dude's food across the table simultaneously.

**auld argonian** · 20th May 10, 07:04 AM

Quoth O'Callaghan: "The problem with a knife rather than a sword is reach, i.e. the other guy can slice you and dice you before he comes within your reach."

We were always taught in Latin class that that was the reason the Roman Gladius was only about 18 inches long...you could draw it quickly and in close quarters.

Best

AA