Windlass US M1906 Cav Saber Comemorative
Jan 13, 2013 2:40:58 GMT
Post by Dave Kelly on Jan 13, 2013 2:40:58 GMT
Windlass US M1860/1906 Cavalry Saber
Introduction:
For nearly a year now Windlass has had this special production model on the market. You can't find it on MRL; it's over at the sister market Atlanta Cutlery. KOA has it listed now at a substantial discount ( $199, plus $18 for sharpening ). I have owned an historic M1906 for some time now and also had one of Windlass's $89.00 M1860s. This report will discuss the merits of buying this saber produced at the behest of the US Cavalry Association, Fort Leavenworth KS.
Disclaimer:
The author is not affiliated with the manufacturer or marketers of the reviewed saber. It was purchased by me for my own collection. The opinons expressed are my own.
Historical Background
The M1906 was the last official government batch of M1860 cavalry sabers purchased by the Army. It was distinguished from other orders because it had a steel hilt instead of the original brass one. ( Steel was so cheap and durable it made business sense to make the switch.)
For more detailed discussion of these swords I refer you to my earlier work on the subject:
forum.sword-buyers-guide.com/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=871
Characteristics
The M1860/1906 follows a formula for light cavalry sabers which evolved in 1816 French sabers immediately after Napoleon fell. Retaining the cutting bias with less curve but a progressive blade rake. The three bar guard was a carry over from the ANIX/XI sabers.
The guard gives reasonable back hand protection from a cut. The grip is adequate in length for closed handed cutting, but not quite long enough for comfortable support of the open handed grip preffered for point work. The close grip combined with a 2.5 lb weight and flat dynamic curve, results in a sword of indifferent handling characteristics.
Factory markings on the saber are near correct. Remove the Made in India tape.
Peened. Actually looks better than my original
Historical Comaparison
Often see discussions about the if and why nots of having mass market producers make an extra effort to provide accurate, quality swords at at moderate prices ($300-$400) There are time and labor considerations that make this difficult unless sufficient interest ensures sufficient sales to justify the effort.
Windlass has a fickle record in this case. Out of the blue, by whimsey, they are quite capable of producing exceptional swords.
I think this M1906 happens to be one of them. It isn't perfect in it's blade harmonics, but the chart shows it is close to the Springfield Arsenal model. If there is a complaint with the saber it isn't Windlas's doing. It is in the nature of the M1860 itself. The 2.5 lb sword is livelier than it's predecessor M1840, but not by much.
The fit and finish on this new Windlass is excellent. The brass wash on the scabbard and the brass throat piece are very nice overkills. The grip has a fine grade of saddle leather instead of the cheaper cover normally put on. The sharpening was done on this blade without a single scratch or smudge being put on the blade. There is a bit of a secondary bevel on the back blade, but the strong side of the blade looks very nice.
The Sword Knot
M1885 was used in conjunction with the M1860 up to 1913. What Price glory sells these at a ridiculously great price. Want to turn these chocolate brown? Stick one in a neatsfoot oil bath for 30 mins. Enjoy the WPG site. I got my own M1911 Campaign Hat ala Sherman Potter :mrgreen:
onlinemilitaria.net/shopexd.asp?id=3576&bc=no
Conclusion
This is sort of redundant . You already have heard me say it:
This is a very fine saber that hasn't gotten a lot of marketing attention. An above average production effort by Windlass for the US Cavalry Association. This is a very aesthetically pleasing saber, but it is also an all business grunt work enlisted saber. Sharpened it is a brutish percussion sword that handles fairly well and with some practice will deliver fine cuts.
I don't think you'll be disappointed with the production. I won't tell you you'll be as thrilled with the performance of the saber. AT 2.5 lbs it is still on the ragged edge of being a dragoon, not a light sword.
Introduction:
For nearly a year now Windlass has had this special production model on the market. You can't find it on MRL; it's over at the sister market Atlanta Cutlery. KOA has it listed now at a substantial discount ( $199, plus $18 for sharpening ). I have owned an historic M1906 for some time now and also had one of Windlass's $89.00 M1860s. This report will discuss the merits of buying this saber produced at the behest of the US Cavalry Association, Fort Leavenworth KS.
Disclaimer:
The author is not affiliated with the manufacturer or marketers of the reviewed saber. It was purchased by me for my own collection. The opinons expressed are my own.
Historical Background
The M1906 was the last official government batch of M1860 cavalry sabers purchased by the Army. It was distinguished from other orders because it had a steel hilt instead of the original brass one. ( Steel was so cheap and durable it made business sense to make the switch.)
For more detailed discussion of these swords I refer you to my earlier work on the subject:
forum.sword-buyers-guide.com/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=871
Characteristics
The M1860/1906 follows a formula for light cavalry sabers which evolved in 1816 French sabers immediately after Napoleon fell. Retaining the cutting bias with less curve but a progressive blade rake. The three bar guard was a carry over from the ANIX/XI sabers.
The guard gives reasonable back hand protection from a cut. The grip is adequate in length for closed handed cutting, but not quite long enough for comfortable support of the open handed grip preffered for point work. The close grip combined with a 2.5 lb weight and flat dynamic curve, results in a sword of indifferent handling characteristics.
Factory markings on the saber are near correct. Remove the Made in India tape.
Peened. Actually looks better than my original
Historical Comaparison
Often see discussions about the if and why nots of having mass market producers make an extra effort to provide accurate, quality swords at at moderate prices ($300-$400) There are time and labor considerations that make this difficult unless sufficient interest ensures sufficient sales to justify the effort.
Windlass has a fickle record in this case. Out of the blue, by whimsey, they are quite capable of producing exceptional swords.
I think this M1906 happens to be one of them. It isn't perfect in it's blade harmonics, but the chart shows it is close to the Springfield Arsenal model. If there is a complaint with the saber it isn't Windlas's doing. It is in the nature of the M1860 itself. The 2.5 lb sword is livelier than it's predecessor M1840, but not by much.
The fit and finish on this new Windlass is excellent. The brass wash on the scabbard and the brass throat piece are very nice overkills. The grip has a fine grade of saddle leather instead of the cheaper cover normally put on. The sharpening was done on this blade without a single scratch or smudge being put on the blade. There is a bit of a secondary bevel on the back blade, but the strong side of the blade looks very nice.
The Sword Knot
M1885 was used in conjunction with the M1860 up to 1913. What Price glory sells these at a ridiculously great price. Want to turn these chocolate brown? Stick one in a neatsfoot oil bath for 30 mins. Enjoy the WPG site. I got my own M1911 Campaign Hat ala Sherman Potter :mrgreen:
onlinemilitaria.net/shopexd.asp?id=3576&bc=no
Conclusion
This is sort of redundant . You already have heard me say it:
This is a very fine saber that hasn't gotten a lot of marketing attention. An above average production effort by Windlass for the US Cavalry Association. This is a very aesthetically pleasing saber, but it is also an all business grunt work enlisted saber. Sharpened it is a brutish percussion sword that handles fairly well and with some practice will deliver fine cuts.
I don't think you'll be disappointed with the production. I won't tell you you'll be as thrilled with the performance of the saber. AT 2.5 lbs it is still on the ragged edge of being a dragoon, not a light sword.