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Post by bensta96 on Jul 22, 2014 5:45:59 GMT
What is the history behind steel scabbatds ? Wouldn't wood core just be better for steel dulls the blade ?
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Post by greypilgrim on Jul 23, 2014 13:42:34 GMT
I expect steel scabbards were faster and cheaper to make than wood cored leather. They could be machine made with lots less hand labor involved. Military issue sabers were frequently not sharpened anyway,so no concern with protecting a fine edge.
At least that's what I've been told. Dave Kelly can most probably give a much more comprehensive answer though.
Hope this helps, Kenny
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Uhlan
Member
Posts: 3,121
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Post by Uhlan on Jul 23, 2014 16:17:22 GMT
Most steel scabbards had very thin wood liners in them to protect the sabre. The top of a steel scabbard comes off when two little screws are removed. Once the top is removed the slats slide out. It is therefore something to inquire about when buying old sabres. Without the slats or liners the sabre will rattle around inside with all concequenses that entails. Also they keep the sabre oiled and clean. Allways inquire about the liners.
Cheers.
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Post by greypilgrim on Jul 23, 2014 17:16:00 GMT
Thanks Ulahn. I didn't know that.
Kenny
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Post by Dave Kelly on Jul 23, 2014 23:03:37 GMT
Chape blocks in the 19th Century also started using a metal set of tynes to grip the sword. None of this is particularly a problem. What got swordsmen upset was that the metal chape block and the blade edge would rub together as the sword was drawn. Many Civil War scabbards can be found with the chape removed; a field solution to the probleam of edge eating scabbards. :roll:
Since the average cavalryman of the Civil War didn't have a clue how to sharpen a blade it was a moot point.
Just as easy to grasp the saber with the rein hand and turn it horizontal before drawing.
The iron scabbard won out for all the reasons discribed: more durable, cheaper and quicker to mass produce.
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