Review: Deepeeka German Army Officer Saber
Jan 5, 2019 0:15:53 GMT
Post by 28shadow on Jan 5, 2019 0:15:53 GMT
Disclaimer
I purchased this sword used, from a third party with my own money. I was not paid or encouraged to review this blade in any way by the manufacturer or any other third party.
Overview
While searching around ebay for deals on inexpensive swords, I came across a seller offering a Deepeeka saber that approximates the style of sabers used by German officers of the Imperial Germany Army and later national powers. Whilst I know very little about German swords, I do know what style of sword I like and this one was inexpensive enough to warrant a try. My preference lies in slightly curved, cut and thrust blades that tend towards the lighter side. Ideally with a large amount of hand protection in the form of a steel hilt that encompasses the presentation of my knuckles.
Initial Impressions
This sword had been antiqued by the previous owner and was stated to have a "c60" blade, which supposedly is not part of Deepeeka's normal stock. Further research revealed that c60 is equivalent to 1060 steel.
After I removed the grease from the blade I stepped outside to give it a chance to prove its keep through dry handling through the major cuts. Surprisingly, this saber handles well. Not because of balance or weight but because, as far as I can tell, this is the only saber I've owned from an Indian manufacturer that even slightly gets rotation nodes correct. More on that later.
The Blade
The blade is well shaped in the flats. The saber came with a blunted edge (2mm thick) and a fairly sharp tip. Testing it's retention in the scabbard I slammed it home and broke half an inch off the tip due to A) I slammed it home and B) the scabbard feels extremely short and tight. I've since repaired the tip with little effort. I don't hardness tools to test he hardness of the blade, but a standard file will glide down the blade. The blade has some flex but is stiff, plenty stiff enough to penetrate heavy clothing when giving point. I have not decided if I should sharpen the blade or not. Should an issue arise I will update this review.
The handle
As with many Indian reproduction swords, the grip is fairly short. This does not affect me adversely as I have small hands for an American Male (Size 8-ish depending on glove manufacturer). I will say the sword handles well in the open grip, the "handshake" grip and the closed grip. My preference is the open grip. The grip is a tad thin and could be beefed up a tad for added control.
The Guard
Typical Indian brass/bronze cast hilt parts. I would not depend on this to stop a cut from anything stronger than a smallsword or another extremely light saber and the if the opponent is cutting with a bent arm.
Scabbard
I briefly mentioned this earlier, but the scabbard is trash. I would rely on a leather sword frog to carry this before I did the scabbard. That being said my example has been antiqued and as such if you purchase this sword new the scabbard would look fairly nice for display.
Handling
I touched on this earlier, but I'm extremely impressed with it's handling. It moves to target on a thought. If given a good edge this would be an excellent backyard light cutter. Moving through the major cuts, pronated and supinated thrusts in the high line and low line and through parrying positions not once did I feel the sword wanting to sway or leave my hand. Every movement was exact.
Final thoughts
Will this saber reinvent the repro market for military sabers? Not in the slightest. Many buyers prefer the full size cavalry arms, which rarely handle well. This saber is good, though superior examples of light foot sabers exist in models like the Cold Steel Civilian Saber and CS' United States military officer sabers. If you're on a budget and want a light cutter in the skin of a military saber, I can recommend this one purely on functionality grounds. I cannot recommend it as a proper reproduction of a fighting weapon, since I would not trust it in an actual fight.
For stats, other pictures and for purchase here is the link to Kult of Athena's page for this particular sword.
I purchased this sword used, from a third party with my own money. I was not paid or encouraged to review this blade in any way by the manufacturer or any other third party.
Overview
While searching around ebay for deals on inexpensive swords, I came across a seller offering a Deepeeka saber that approximates the style of sabers used by German officers of the Imperial Germany Army and later national powers. Whilst I know very little about German swords, I do know what style of sword I like and this one was inexpensive enough to warrant a try. My preference lies in slightly curved, cut and thrust blades that tend towards the lighter side. Ideally with a large amount of hand protection in the form of a steel hilt that encompasses the presentation of my knuckles.
Initial Impressions
This sword had been antiqued by the previous owner and was stated to have a "c60" blade, which supposedly is not part of Deepeeka's normal stock. Further research revealed that c60 is equivalent to 1060 steel.
After I removed the grease from the blade I stepped outside to give it a chance to prove its keep through dry handling through the major cuts. Surprisingly, this saber handles well. Not because of balance or weight but because, as far as I can tell, this is the only saber I've owned from an Indian manufacturer that even slightly gets rotation nodes correct. More on that later.
The Blade
The blade is well shaped in the flats. The saber came with a blunted edge (2mm thick) and a fairly sharp tip. Testing it's retention in the scabbard I slammed it home and broke half an inch off the tip due to A) I slammed it home and B) the scabbard feels extremely short and tight. I've since repaired the tip with little effort. I don't hardness tools to test he hardness of the blade, but a standard file will glide down the blade. The blade has some flex but is stiff, plenty stiff enough to penetrate heavy clothing when giving point. I have not decided if I should sharpen the blade or not. Should an issue arise I will update this review.
The handle
As with many Indian reproduction swords, the grip is fairly short. This does not affect me adversely as I have small hands for an American Male (Size 8-ish depending on glove manufacturer). I will say the sword handles well in the open grip, the "handshake" grip and the closed grip. My preference is the open grip. The grip is a tad thin and could be beefed up a tad for added control.
The Guard
Typical Indian brass/bronze cast hilt parts. I would not depend on this to stop a cut from anything stronger than a smallsword or another extremely light saber and the if the opponent is cutting with a bent arm.
Scabbard
I briefly mentioned this earlier, but the scabbard is trash. I would rely on a leather sword frog to carry this before I did the scabbard. That being said my example has been antiqued and as such if you purchase this sword new the scabbard would look fairly nice for display.
Handling
I touched on this earlier, but I'm extremely impressed with it's handling. It moves to target on a thought. If given a good edge this would be an excellent backyard light cutter. Moving through the major cuts, pronated and supinated thrusts in the high line and low line and through parrying positions not once did I feel the sword wanting to sway or leave my hand. Every movement was exact.
Final thoughts
Will this saber reinvent the repro market for military sabers? Not in the slightest. Many buyers prefer the full size cavalry arms, which rarely handle well. This saber is good, though superior examples of light foot sabers exist in models like the Cold Steel Civilian Saber and CS' United States military officer sabers. If you're on a budget and want a light cutter in the skin of a military saber, I can recommend this one purely on functionality grounds. I cannot recommend it as a proper reproduction of a fighting weapon, since I would not trust it in an actual fight.
For stats, other pictures and for purchase here is the link to Kult of Athena's page for this particular sword.