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Post by the_antposse on Dec 11, 2011 1:45:49 GMT
Greetings all!
Can anyone tell me what the heck "British military spec steel" is? I see it in a lot of descriptions which say it bends 20 degrees and straightens, but that's not telling me anything....I'm just not that familiar with steel blades yet so I back off from making a purchase. Unless I'm misunderstanding what I've learned, that can be done with almost any carbon steel with a good temper....it just seems a bit misleading....but maybe not!
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SeanF
Member
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Post by SeanF on Dec 11, 2011 1:57:08 GMT
I am going to guess it is from a retailer that sells dress swords to the British Military, and the steel is to the same specifications. However militaries typically only consume knives and ceremonial swords, so I don't know that these are the best materials to make functional swords out of?
Side question to anyone else browsing: are military dress swords stainless or high carbon?
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Post by Adrian Jordan on Dec 11, 2011 2:05:04 GMT
My nephews dad was a Marine and my uncle was in the Army, and both have said that as often as not "Military Spec" is often jargon for "cheapest we could reasonably use."
As to the stainless or carbon steel, I've seen both used. I think that they use the stainless for the strictly dress swords that they sell cheapest, and you can get carbon for a higher price, much like here in the civilian sector.
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Post by the_antposse on Dec 11, 2011 2:22:41 GMT
Thanks Guy's!
That's about what I thought! I was looking for a good military blade and was on one of the more reputable online dealers, I think, and I saw an 1860's lt. cav. sword on sale and was about to buy it when I noticed that bit of info. I couldn't get any data on shipping from them either without giving up my email and some other info. I don't much care to deal with those type of sites, so I guess I'll have to wait, anyway thanks for your quick response....have a good one!
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SeanF
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Posts: 1,293
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Post by SeanF on Dec 11, 2011 2:25:35 GMT
In terms of making a sword I think the type of steel used is such a small percentage that it is of little concern. I can't see them using stainless/high carbon based on cost. It is just whether they want their dress swords to be low maintenance or theoretically functional.
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Post by Svadilfari on Dec 11, 2011 4:55:31 GMT
The words "British Mil Spec Steel" means virtually nothing/anything on their own UNLESS the Spec is given. Steel is used by the military in so many articles , from paper clips to tank barrels. :lol: Are you refering to a NEW sword. or an old,original one..made in the days when military swords might conceviably be actually *used* AS a sword, and not just an object of parade dress ? In 19th century, British military swords were supposed to be able to pass certain standardised tests to ensure they were fit for possible combat use..flexing the blade was one of these..not sure of the actual degree of flex needed to pass. Either way, modern blades, or older..I think your question could best be answered bt someone connected with Wilkinsons, as they have been supplying swords to the British military for the last 150-odd years. If they can't answer your question, I doubt anyone can  |
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Post by Dave Kelly on Dec 11, 2011 13:08:21 GMT
The British Ordnance acceptence standards speil is something Cold Steel dreamed up to market their stuff :lol:
I mean, the acceptence standard is real enough. A little bending and banging test to see if the blade returns to true and doesn't crack with a few whacks.
The CSS M1840 saber is a Windlass product. May or may not have some specs demanded by CSS. I was pretty happy with mine and it did stand up better than the cheaper Windlass.
British officer swords were usually one off purchases by individuals and were of fine quality. The swords given to the enlisted ranks were notoriously cheap, indifferently tempered, and chronically complained of as not holding an edge to save their aspidistras. :lol:
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Post by Odingaard on Dec 16, 2011 1:45:34 GMT
Topic moved to proper category for further discussion.
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Post by Kilted Cossack on Dec 30, 2011 4:06:41 GMT
He said aspidastras, huh huh. Now I need to go read some Orwell.
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