Got a new sword

[ErikGarrett]

I have the Cold Steel Brave Heart Sgian-dubh and the Dirk. Both are wonderful blades with amazing sharpness.

I also went from a very high dollar Army Officer Saber M1902 to the 1/4 the cost Cold Steel version. The British Proof Testing and the edge won me over. On the M1902 they also only sharpen half way down. I assumed to not damage the etching.

[Andy Proffitt]

Very nice, both the Light and Heavy have always been two of my favorites.

[kiltimabar]

beautiful piece! i love the cold steel line. i rarely go anywhere without my cold steel spartan folder.

My edc is the Trail Guide (discontinued, of course). I experienced real separation anxiety when I thoiught I lost it one time, so I went on ebay and got a couple spares.

I've always said, "If you find something you like, get a lifetime supply, as it will soon be discontinued."

"New and improved, isn't"

[Jock Scot]

My Grand father used one of those to cut nettles except that it had a blue and gilt blade and a steel scabbard!The only other difference was that his was used at the Battles of Quatre Bras and Waterloo. Not by him, but one of our ancestors.

[EagleJCS]

My goodness, Jock! I couldn't imagine using an heirloom sword of that age to cut nettles!

To my mind, that would be like using my ggf's muzzle-loading rifle to go squirrel hunting with. Mind, he used to use it for that, but the rifle was a bit newer back then! (It's at least 100 years old now, and hangs over my parent's mantle, a la the 'minuteman').


BTW, Teufel, that's a beautiful saber!

[James Hood]

Quite interesting, thank you for sharing. Making a real leather cover for the scabbard should not be difficult.

[CMcG]

My Grand father used one of those to cut nettles except that it had a blue and gilt blade and a steel scabbard!The only other difference was that his was used at the Battles of Quatre Bras and Waterloo. Not by him, but one of our ancestors.

That is the most awesome gardening implement ever!

[longhuntr74]

First...to TH...great saber! I am a fan of swords and sabers as well. Sucks about the scabbard though.

There's some interesting stuff going on at this website.

http://www.militaryheritage.com/swords2.htm The British Commonwealth Infantry Officer's Sword takes me back a bit...

I have the Cold Steel Brave Heart Sgian-dubh and the Dirk. Both are wonderful blades with amazing sharpness.

I also went from a very high dollar Army Officer Saber M1902 to the 1/4 the cost Cold Steel version. The British Proof Testing and the edge won me over. On the M1902 they also only sharpen half way down. I assumed to not damage the etching.

EB...thanks for sharing the link. Pretty sure I've been on that site once before (looked at their 1740-1768 leather goods if I recall), but I never checked out all their sword offerings. Since you mention it...a question on the Infantry Sword...what happens when the monarch is succeeded? Do officers continue to carry the sword with ERII on it? Is that seen as disloyal? I'm going on the assumption that the sword is a personally owned item vs. something that is issued to the officer (based on our customs here in the US and the comments on the website).

To Erik...funny you bring up the 1902 Officer's Saber. I will be purchasing one from Marlow-White (www.militarysabers.com) in the next couple of months (well...my wife will be...as an anniversary gift to me). I checked out the Cold Steel one and have to honestly say I'm not a fan of the finish, guard shape, etc. The blade is much more functional, I have no doubt...but that's irrelevant to me on a sword that will only be used for display or ceremony. I've opted for what I consider a superior quality piece (made by WKC in Germany) with my name laser etched on the blade, etc. I previously owned a cheaper model and ended up selling it due to my dissatisfaction with the quality. This new one will be the last one I own...and something to pass down to my son, his son, etc (I hope, at least).

Speaking of sword design and the 1902 Saber...Check out the Pattern 1821/1822 Light Cavalry Trooper's Sabre. It would appear that our 1902 Officer's Saber is directly copied from this piece...handguard, pommel, quillon, blade shape, steel scabbard, etc are all nearly identical. Even down to the steel band at the guard end of the grip...but I wish that grip on the 1902 was more like this saber (wire wrapped leather) vs. the cheap plastic grip that the 1902 has. In my opinion, the plastic grip ruins what would otherwise be a top quality saber...even some black wood would improve it (which the originals from the early 20th century probably had).

I still like the Marine Officer's Sword (and their uniforms) better...if only my college had had Navy ROTC as well...but now I'm rambling...

[James Hood]

Though a lifelong military history student, acquisition of actual-militaria has been incredibly rare, almost nonexistent, at best.

Last autumn, however, 'purchased a real French Waterloo-era sabre, reputed to have been found in a barn near the battlefield. Only slightly curved, not in what one could ever call prime condition, but its vibe called, loud, incessant. Personal?

Examining and handling the weapon, there is no doubt of its age and authenticity. What is so chilling, frightening, is the three-foot-"knife's" ominous purposeful-ness. Not for parade, not for ceremony...

...but to sever human flesh, to break human bones....to kill people. Its creation and purpose solely to further the conquest-obsession of a madman.

"What are the lives of a million, to a man like me?"
(Napoleon Bonaparte)

[ohiopiper]

What little I know of saber technique and design, Dale is correct. The foible is sharpened and the forte is left unsharpened to prevent the extensive damage that repeated impacts would have on the thin edge.