Cold Steel--best option?

So, the next area for me to expand my collection into is sabers.

There are several issues in dealing with entry level sabers. Are you collecting primarily to have live practice weapons, or do you want historical significant swords at an entry price, or do you want as accurate recreation as possible for the cost?

In no particular order, the Cold Steel swords are probably the best live steel playthings you can buy in the sub $400 range. There are several windlass swords that probably would work ( but I haven't been happy with the grips on their CW stuff - peened and loose.)

Weapon Edge look right but for their price model they have rudimental tapering and disappointing harmonics. Their sabers will cut. But can never be sure what they used for steel ( ie 1045, 50, 60 ).

Weight and distal taper for all these swords is ahistorical. Go to ebay and wait a chance to get a real saber for under $400. You'll immediately feel the difference. ( Usually. See my comments on the Swedish 1893 enlisted cav sword. woof, woof. )

Sorry, if this doesn't quell your concerns. What sword do you fancy? That might help narrow the field.

I got the Cold Steel 1860 heavy cavalry saber two days ago. This is my first saber so I have no reference for comparison. The sword is a bit heavy but not as heavy as I had expected. It came very sharp but I haven't done any cutting with it yet. The only complaint I have is that the hand guard was nicked up in a few places when it arrived. (Not due to shipping damage). It came with a British proof test certificate so I'm not sure if the damage occurred during the testing or not. Overall it's a well put together sword in my opinion and I'm pleased with it.

Nice collection davekelly!!

I have heard that the 1796 by CS is overweight and the like, but having handled it I'm not sure how. It felt nice in the hand and wasn't slow at all. The originals must have been real feathers, somehow.

M.

It's tempting; if things go well this year I might just do that.

M.

Oh that's fantastic. I think I shall have to drag the girl along with me.

M.

Ugh, now I'm considering getting that sabre instead of their smallsword so I can get that DVD o.O

Costs way too much to buy on it's own.

M.

Seriously. I wonder why they're giving them out free? I've always wanted a copy, but never figured out why it would be workth 100USD.

M.

I have both the CS light and heavy cav sabers. In my opinion the 1860 heavy cav is the better deal; it cuts better, the handling is better and it's better balanced. The tradeoff is that it has an agressive distal taper and a very deep, wide fuller, so the blade is whippy. As long as your form is good it's a joy to cut with though.
If you buy it from the special projects division of cold steel it's a little more expensive but they throw in the saber fighting DVD for free.

I have all 3 of these sabers and I can tell you that all 3 are great cutters and well made re-creations of the originals. Windlass makes the sabers for Cold Steel but to a bit higher degree of fit and finish. I am very pleased with mine and can recommend them highly. I can also recommend the Windlass Steelcrafts Union Cavalry Officer's Saber and Union Staff and General Officer's Sword. They have beautifully etched blades and mine are very good quality. I had KOA sharpen mine and they did a great job.