Cold Steel US Army Officer Saber
Jun 6, 2012 19:51:59 GMT
Post by Silver_Fan on Jun 6, 2012 19:51:59 GMT
Review of the Cold Steel US Army Officer Saber
Introduction
Ok so why would an Englishman want to buy a US parade ground Officers Saber, the truth is when I first saw that Cold Steel had released this sword, I was really taken with it. It seemed to fit the bill when it comes to the type of Saber I like i.e. something close to a late Victorian/Italian light infantry/duelling saber. Also, I was looking for a nice sword to practice the Saber cuts with and use for careful solo drills.
I purchased the sword from medieval-weaponry .co.uk, the sword arrived next day delivery.
Historical overview
My knowledge of US sword patterns is sketchy to say the least; however I believe this sword is based on the Model 1902 Army Officers Saber. As I am an Englishman (with no military background) I will not attempt to review this sword based on whether it is suitable for current US military parade grounds or dress occasions, and will leave that side of this swords use to more experienced people.
Initial Impressions
Once I had opened the outer packaging I found that the sword came in a rather fetching soft cotton draw string carry bag. I am not sure if this type of bag comes with all Cold Steel swords, but I found it to be a pleasant surprise and a very nice touch.
My first thoughts when I opened the cotton bag were that this was truly a light sword, even in the metal scabbard the sword seemed to be well balanced and easy to handle. Both the Saber and the Scabbard were in pristine condition, both very shiny, I felt like I wanted to don a military dress uniform and strap the sword to my hip.
Statistics
Copied from Kult Of Athena
Overall Length: 37 1/4'
Blade Length: 32'
Weight: 1 lb 9 oz (mine is actually a little bit lighter)
Edge: Sharp (last 3rd)
P.O.B.: 5 1/8''
Thickness: 4.9 mm - 3.0 mm
Width: 20.2 mm
Grip Length: 4''
Pommel: Nut
Components
The Blade
When I was deciding whether or not to purchase this sword, my only doubt was the decoration/etching on the blade, I was not looking for a fancy decorated sword but a good plain duelling saber. However, now that I own the sword I am really pleased with the way the blade looks, the etching has been done to a high standard and it really gives the blade an attractive look. The decoration begins about 1inch from the guard and ends just over half way down the blade. The remainder of the blade is plain with a nice shiny finish. The decorated part of the sword is blunt (and should remain that way, it’s the area used for parrying a cut) so the last third of the blade would be the sharp section.
As this is the first Cold Steel sword I have purchased I was looking forward to experiencing the “scary sharp” edge that Cold Steel seem to be famous for. Alas it was not to be, I received the sword with a very blunt edge, and you could have literally sliced it across your bare buttock and not left a mark. Also the tip of the saber appeared to have been rounded off. I have now sharpened the blade using a light file and sandpaper. The blade may have been dulled for the UK market, so I can’t say if this would be the case in the US
The blade is quite flexible, not what I would call whippy but with just the right amount of spring to it.
The Handle/Grip
The grip of this saber is made of a hard plastic, not the nicest of material but in terms of functionality it is ok for what I want, and is not too bad to look at. Also there is a metal strip running along the top of the handle. The grip is designed to allow the fingers to slot into grooves along the handle which provides you with a comfortable and more stable hold; also the length is ideal for holding the sword in a true saber grip, which is with your thumb extended along the back of the grip pointing towards the guard.
The Guard
The guard is of a steel construction (I think), it’s sturdy and looks quite robust, with no looseness or rattle. Unlike the blade the guard has no decoration, not a bad thing in my oppinion.
The Pommel
I have not disassembled the sword so I cannot say how good the tang is, according to the info on Kult of Athena the sword has a “nut” pommel, so I assume this sword has a threaded tang.
The Scabbard
I have never owned a sword that came with a steel scabbard before, but I am quite smitten with this one, it looks really well made and the Saber fits inside like a glove and can be drawn with ease. There are two rings (not the technical term, I’m sure) attached that would allow you to secure the sword to your hip.
An interesting side note about steel scabbards is the following quote from “Lance, Sword and Carbine” Blackwood’s Edinburgh Magazine published 1903 written by a Victorian British officer.
“our swords are carried in heavy (1lb. 14.5oz) steel scabbards, which most effectually prevent them from preserving a keen edge or a sharp point, whose clank betrays the presence of cavalry at an indefinite distance, and whose shimmer in the sun’s rays it is almost impossible to conceal”
Obviously this has no bearing to the sword being reviewed but it’s interesting to note that steel scabbards can and probably do dull the edge of saber's.
Interesting Comparison with the Hanwei Hutton training Sabre
As I mentioned above this sword came completely unsharpened, so the thought crossed my mind that maybe it could replace my Hanwei Hutton sabre as a training weapon (to be used at my sword group for drilling and sparring) the only modifications needed would be to flatten the edge a little more and fully round off the tip.
Anyone who uses the Hanwei Hutton for Sabre practice will know that it really is not up to the job and despite its low price the Hutton is not robust enough and in my opinion does not feel right when you handle it.
Although the Hutton weighs almost the same as the Cold Steel saber, the feel of the CS saber is so much better, it feels a lot more alive in your hands and I believe its construction is solid and robust enough to handle partner drills and free play.
I have now sharpened my saber, but maybe in the future I may modify it for safe Saber training, for anyone interested here are some comparison pictures of the Cold Steel saber and the Hutton.
NB Disclaimer – using a functional sharp sword for any partner drills is extremely dangerous and should never be attempted; even a dull and blunted functional sword may not be a suitable replacement for a sword that has been designed for training. The above is just my opinion, and as such should be taken with a pinch of salt.
Handling Characteristics
Due to the weight and balance of this sword, it can be used with either the delicate style of late 19th century saber combat, or even with a more vigorous cutting action. It feels really lively in the hand and is capable of performing all fencing actions i.e. Quick parry reposte, faints, disengages and point control. I use this sword for solo drills, practicing parry positions and reposte, and it really suits this purpose well.
Test Cutting
Considering this sword is so light I am surprised at how well it cuts, with good edge alignment it could go through most targets. Here is a vid of me cutting plastic bottles and pool noodles. I had filmed myself practicing four of the saber moulinets, so thought i would tag it on the end of the vid.
Conclusions
I really would recommend this sword to anyone who has an interest in light duelling saber type swords, although technically the guard is not suitable for a duelling sword the other statistics are pretty close.
Also due to its appearance this Saber would look really nice in a display cabinet.
Pros
- Weight and Balance - a very light sword that feels and handles beautifully
- Appearance – Very attractive sword, both in and out of the scabbard
- A good cut and thrust blade
Cons
- edge was not sharp as advertised
The Bottom Line
All I can say is that I find this saber a pleasure to handle, solo practice with and look at, I am very satisfied with my purchase.
Introduction
Ok so why would an Englishman want to buy a US parade ground Officers Saber, the truth is when I first saw that Cold Steel had released this sword, I was really taken with it. It seemed to fit the bill when it comes to the type of Saber I like i.e. something close to a late Victorian/Italian light infantry/duelling saber. Also, I was looking for a nice sword to practice the Saber cuts with and use for careful solo drills.
I purchased the sword from medieval-weaponry .co.uk, the sword arrived next day delivery.
Historical overview
My knowledge of US sword patterns is sketchy to say the least; however I believe this sword is based on the Model 1902 Army Officers Saber. As I am an Englishman (with no military background) I will not attempt to review this sword based on whether it is suitable for current US military parade grounds or dress occasions, and will leave that side of this swords use to more experienced people.
Initial Impressions
Once I had opened the outer packaging I found that the sword came in a rather fetching soft cotton draw string carry bag. I am not sure if this type of bag comes with all Cold Steel swords, but I found it to be a pleasant surprise and a very nice touch.
My first thoughts when I opened the cotton bag were that this was truly a light sword, even in the metal scabbard the sword seemed to be well balanced and easy to handle. Both the Saber and the Scabbard were in pristine condition, both very shiny, I felt like I wanted to don a military dress uniform and strap the sword to my hip.
Statistics
Copied from Kult Of Athena
Overall Length: 37 1/4'
Blade Length: 32'
Weight: 1 lb 9 oz (mine is actually a little bit lighter)
Edge: Sharp (last 3rd)
P.O.B.: 5 1/8''
Thickness: 4.9 mm - 3.0 mm
Width: 20.2 mm
Grip Length: 4''
Pommel: Nut
Components
The Blade
When I was deciding whether or not to purchase this sword, my only doubt was the decoration/etching on the blade, I was not looking for a fancy decorated sword but a good plain duelling saber. However, now that I own the sword I am really pleased with the way the blade looks, the etching has been done to a high standard and it really gives the blade an attractive look. The decoration begins about 1inch from the guard and ends just over half way down the blade. The remainder of the blade is plain with a nice shiny finish. The decorated part of the sword is blunt (and should remain that way, it’s the area used for parrying a cut) so the last third of the blade would be the sharp section.
As this is the first Cold Steel sword I have purchased I was looking forward to experiencing the “scary sharp” edge that Cold Steel seem to be famous for. Alas it was not to be, I received the sword with a very blunt edge, and you could have literally sliced it across your bare buttock and not left a mark. Also the tip of the saber appeared to have been rounded off. I have now sharpened the blade using a light file and sandpaper. The blade may have been dulled for the UK market, so I can’t say if this would be the case in the US
The blade is quite flexible, not what I would call whippy but with just the right amount of spring to it.
The Handle/Grip
The grip of this saber is made of a hard plastic, not the nicest of material but in terms of functionality it is ok for what I want, and is not too bad to look at. Also there is a metal strip running along the top of the handle. The grip is designed to allow the fingers to slot into grooves along the handle which provides you with a comfortable and more stable hold; also the length is ideal for holding the sword in a true saber grip, which is with your thumb extended along the back of the grip pointing towards the guard.
The Guard
The guard is of a steel construction (I think), it’s sturdy and looks quite robust, with no looseness or rattle. Unlike the blade the guard has no decoration, not a bad thing in my oppinion.
The Pommel
I have not disassembled the sword so I cannot say how good the tang is, according to the info on Kult of Athena the sword has a “nut” pommel, so I assume this sword has a threaded tang.
The Scabbard
I have never owned a sword that came with a steel scabbard before, but I am quite smitten with this one, it looks really well made and the Saber fits inside like a glove and can be drawn with ease. There are two rings (not the technical term, I’m sure) attached that would allow you to secure the sword to your hip.
An interesting side note about steel scabbards is the following quote from “Lance, Sword and Carbine” Blackwood’s Edinburgh Magazine published 1903 written by a Victorian British officer.
“our swords are carried in heavy (1lb. 14.5oz) steel scabbards, which most effectually prevent them from preserving a keen edge or a sharp point, whose clank betrays the presence of cavalry at an indefinite distance, and whose shimmer in the sun’s rays it is almost impossible to conceal”
Obviously this has no bearing to the sword being reviewed but it’s interesting to note that steel scabbards can and probably do dull the edge of saber's.
Interesting Comparison with the Hanwei Hutton training Sabre
As I mentioned above this sword came completely unsharpened, so the thought crossed my mind that maybe it could replace my Hanwei Hutton sabre as a training weapon (to be used at my sword group for drilling and sparring) the only modifications needed would be to flatten the edge a little more and fully round off the tip.
Anyone who uses the Hanwei Hutton for Sabre practice will know that it really is not up to the job and despite its low price the Hutton is not robust enough and in my opinion does not feel right when you handle it.
Although the Hutton weighs almost the same as the Cold Steel saber, the feel of the CS saber is so much better, it feels a lot more alive in your hands and I believe its construction is solid and robust enough to handle partner drills and free play.
I have now sharpened my saber, but maybe in the future I may modify it for safe Saber training, for anyone interested here are some comparison pictures of the Cold Steel saber and the Hutton.
NB Disclaimer – using a functional sharp sword for any partner drills is extremely dangerous and should never be attempted; even a dull and blunted functional sword may not be a suitable replacement for a sword that has been designed for training. The above is just my opinion, and as such should be taken with a pinch of salt.
Handling Characteristics
Due to the weight and balance of this sword, it can be used with either the delicate style of late 19th century saber combat, or even with a more vigorous cutting action. It feels really lively in the hand and is capable of performing all fencing actions i.e. Quick parry reposte, faints, disengages and point control. I use this sword for solo drills, practicing parry positions and reposte, and it really suits this purpose well.
Test Cutting
Considering this sword is so light I am surprised at how well it cuts, with good edge alignment it could go through most targets. Here is a vid of me cutting plastic bottles and pool noodles. I had filmed myself practicing four of the saber moulinets, so thought i would tag it on the end of the vid.
Conclusions
I really would recommend this sword to anyone who has an interest in light duelling saber type swords, although technically the guard is not suitable for a duelling sword the other statistics are pretty close.
Also due to its appearance this Saber would look really nice in a display cabinet.
Pros
- Weight and Balance - a very light sword that feels and handles beautifully
- Appearance – Very attractive sword, both in and out of the scabbard
- A good cut and thrust blade
Cons
- edge was not sharp as advertised
The Bottom Line
All I can say is that I find this saber a pleasure to handle, solo practice with and look at, I am very satisfied with my purchase.
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Remember to defend your "second amendment", your founding fathers new what they were doing.
The false edge is not sharpened.
