Kizlyar Russian m1907 Bebut short sword
Mar 29, 2018 23:54:05 GMT
Post by bebut on Mar 29, 2018 23:54:05 GMT
Intro--
I purchased this because of my interest in short swords as secondary weapons when a firearm is not available. It also fits in to my growing collection of short swords. Photo shows Kizlyar on top, Windlass on bottom.
Historical--
It is a copy of an Imperial Russian design. It was in the tradition of artillery short swords issued to machine gun crews and others who needed a small weapon to carry on their persons and a tool for clearing brush, etc. in their daily activities. It is a specific model of the kindjal type of sword that evolved from northern Persia through the Caucasus and into Russia. It was issued through WWI and discontinued by the Bolsheviks, although it saw informal use for decades thereafter.
www.russianwarrior.com/STMMain.htm?1905weapon_Bebuthist.htm&1
Photo of antique--
Made of a corrosion resistant steel but other than that vendor claims it is mil spec and legally a weapon, not a wall hanger, in Russia.
Disclosure--
I purchased this at retail from Kizlyar's US vendor, Legion Arms, and have no relationship to manufacturer or vendor other than this one purchase.
www.legionusa.com/kizlyar-short-sword-bebut.html. Note that these and other swords go in and out of stock at Legion.
I have no extensive experience or training with swords, but long experience with knives, tools, etc.
First impressions--
I received it promptly and well packaged. It looked very similar to my Windlass one but of better quality, as was the scabbard. I found it to be light in weight, (1 lb., 1 oz.) compared to some of my leaf blade swords, but for a weapon this can be good as it moves faster. Factory sharp with an even grind. I will touch it up with a fine stone but not change the angle. It was designed to slash and stab people and is not suited to breaking wooden shields or chopping down trees.
Stats and components--
See Legion's website above. Basically it is a 17 inch blade curved short sword with a wooden handle and a traditional scabbard. Fit, finish and materials are all very nice. The handle is the traditional design in which you are supposed to lock your hand in a hammer grip wedged in between the guard and pommel. Any other grip would not work well on this type of weapon.
Handling--
Smooth and fast with a comfortable handle. Unlike some other swords I have, the exposed rivet heads are spaced so they allow indexing of my hand on the handle but do not get in the way. Hand space and rivets are 4 inches, just perfect for someone with a size large man's hand. The Windlass one, however, has ridiculously large rivet heads that protrude over a half inch and rub against the side of my knuckle.
It passed the apple and cabbage test and then I hit an old piece of pine with moderate force 6 times and strong force 2 times. Inspecting with a 3x loupe I found no edge damage.
Pros- Well built, functional handle, full exposed tang, no rattle in scabbard. It has good balance with pob about 3 inches in front of guard.
Cons- None that I can see, but it is what it is-- if you need more hand protection or a longer blade it is not for you.
Comparison to Windlass--
Better workmanship, materials, handle design, and scabbard, all to be expected when comparing a usd 280 knife to an usd 80 one. That is not to knock the Windlass as a weapon--get rid of the rivet heads and it should work fine.
Bottom line--
As a close up secondary weapon it looks real good.
As an historical replica it looks real good.
7/2019
Some interesting videos have shown up on Youtube
Workout routine, complete with muzak.
Dojo footage against rifle/bayonet
Different ways to grip handle and general info
More gripping styles