Question on swords

[stormbind]

Howdy all, I'm back and with another goofy question!

I have no idea where to ask for advice on purchasing a good sword. It's not for theatrical use, it's not for martial arts, it's for me ... do I need a reason?

So today I post a stupid question about swords. Specifically, can anyone recommend a high quality infantry sabre. I'd settle for a marine's sabre, but definately no cavalry one; I don't have a horse!

I'm looking for one with the following qualities...

1. Modest curvature
2. Well defined tip, inline with the backside of hilt
3. Sufficient etching space for "memoria mihi benigna erit qui eam perscribam"
4. Not an antique
5. Preferably of carbon steel

I know a little about them, but I don't know which pattern is optimal. I've heard the British WW1 sabres were the best military swords ever made; newer blades being just for show. But I've also seen a Nazi WW2 sabre and everybody knows the Germans are perfectionists!!

So, I suppose my biggest doubt is the quality of current British/American military sabres which seem relatively easy to get hold of. Are they designed for combat (even though they will never be used as such) or are they just mass produced junk?

Does anybody have an answer? The "experts" I've managed to talk with are clearly self-professed and never tested, being caught out at the first hurdle!

 

[IglooDame]

Originally posted by stormbind
Howdy all, I'm back and with another goofy question!

I have no idea where to ask for advice on purchasing a good sword. It's not for theatrical use, it's not for martial arts, it's for me ... do I need a reason?

So today I post a stupid question about swords. Specifically, can anyone recommend a high quality infantry sabre. I'd settle for a marine's sabre, but definately no cavalry one; I don't have a horse!

I'm looking for one with the following qualities...

1. Modest curvature
2. Well defined tip, inline with the backside of hilt
3. Sufficient etching space for "memoria mihi benigna erit qui eam perscribam"
4. Not an antique
5. Preferably of carbon steel

I know a little about them, but I don't know which pattern is optimal. I've heard the British WW1 sabres were the best military swords ever made; newer blades being just for show. But I've also seen a Nazi WW2 sabre and everybody knows the Germans are perfectionists!!

So, I suppose my biggest doubt is the quality of current British/American military sabres which seem relatively easy to get hold of. Are they designed for combat (even though they will never be used as such) or are they just mass produced junk?

Does anybody have an answer? The "experts" I've managed to talk with are clearly self-professed and never tested, being caught out at the first hurdle!

I am by no means an expert, but I do own an American military-issue sword. From everything I've heard, it is intended to be ceremonial only (probably the only thing I'd trust it for is cutting cake) and the edge is butterknife-sharp at best, you'd ruin the finish in sharpening it. Again, essentially hearsay evidence, but take it for what it is worth.

 

[stormbind]

Thanks!

There's "stainless steel" samurai sword here and it's not genuine, and probably similar to yours in construction: painted on heat deformation & coated in wax (or something). It does a good job of cutting water mellons though, much better than hacking at one with a kitchen knife

 

[Bozo Erectus]

If you really want one, you could always join the infantry.

 

[stormbind]

I don't want a ceremonial one, and they won't let me customise it

 

[Margim]

A google search is probably the way to go... try something like 'purchase swords' or 'historical swords' and variations of. I remember coming across a whole page with historical swords for purchase somewhere.

 

[stormbind]

Yeah, I have looked. The catalogues are quite extensive but very few are any good or meet the requirements; plus they don't disclose the quality. "High quality" doesn't mean anything

Also, infantry sabres seem to be hard to find so I'm seeking recommendations.

When you're in any circle, you know the tricks of the trade and where to go - you also know the newbies get ripped off. It's the same in every market sector!!

So given that knowledge, I know not to buy what the retailers suggest

Cynical, aren't I?

The (genuine) Nazi WW2 sabre looked great, and was $1050. But I don't know if the genuine Nazi WW2 sabres were ceremonial or not! I don't want to buy blind, plus I will devalue it the moment I have time to take it to the etching people... so maybe a $1050 sword is a little wasteful

I have not found a great WW1 infantry sabre of the type recommended in literature, only cavalry ones I think they are fake copies

I've seen lots of British/American military swords, but as suggested already they are 100% ceremonial and probably not that well constructed. This is not confirmed for the British ones but I think the same will be true.

Also seen a number of older blades, French/British of the Napoleonic era but they are all knackered

I have found lots, just not been able to say "that's the one". Hoping someone else has been in the same boat and has some purchasing advice

 

[thestonesfan]

I can't believe you would buy something designed specifically for killing.

 

[IglooDame]

Originally posted by thestonesfan
I can't believe they would allow you to buy something designed specifically for killing.

Who is "they"? He's not in Australia, AFAIK - is Stormbind not legally an adult in his country?

 

[Jawz II]

its not designed for killing,its designed for chopping

"i dont get angry,i get stabby"-big tony

 

[thestonesfan]

Originally posted by IglooDude
Who is "they"? He's not in Australia, AFAIK - is Stormbind not legally an adult in his country?

The dudes in charge.

But I think I'll edit it.

 

[stormbind]

Designed for killing?

I prefer to think of it as being designed to look pretty

Humn. There are laws on that actually, but they seem pretty flawed because swords are sold legitimately all the time. It's OK as long as it's not seen

The ceremonial ones will kill just as easilly; they only fail/break when struck by another sword.

Also, compare old bendy Greek or Roman military hardware to the humble kitchen knife. Kitchen knife is vastly superior!

I can use a sword, but there's something incomplete about fake blades; I just want one I can call my sword with complete honesty without having to add... fake, theatrical, junk, don't do that... the handle might come off!

 

[stormbind]

Originally posted by IglooDude
Who is "they"? He's not in Australia, AFAIK - is Stormbind not legally an adult in his country?

I have managed to disguise this have I?

I am older than anyone gives me credit for

 

[polymath]

How about this place?
http://www.liongate-armsandarmour.com/

 

[Bozo Erectus]

Does this thread have a point? Get it? A point?

(dodges a thrown tomato)

 

[IglooDame]

Originally posted by Dumb pothead
Does this thread have a point? Get it? A point?

(dodges a thrown tomato)

(Picks up a second tomato) You know, I'd never throw tomatoes at Evil Spock, but Zippy the Pinhead is a whole 'nother story...

 

[stormbind]

Nice selection of antiques. I like the shape of the French P1845 but it has seen better days. Modifying it would devalue it and make some enthusiast really mad

I thought that site might have been where I saw the nice Nazi one but it appears to have gone. Oh well. Their British selection is disapointing

This attachment might show why I'm searching and not getting far. Has anybody seen a new sabre with that characteristic? I might buy this.. or if not, at least I can specify a desired pattern.

Thanks for the URL

 

[Bozo Erectus]

Igloo, extra points if you hit the cone, but its not easy, Ive had lots of practice evading tomatoes. I reccomend you borrow Vanadorns catapult and fire watermelons

 

[Jawz II]

kitchen knife is not superior to swords,most kitchen knives break when they hit bone,the blade is not thick enough

if you are looking to off someone with kitchen knives you would need some luck or several knives

even something heavy like a club is way more superior to kitchen knife

 

[stormbind]

Stainless steel kitchen knife annihilates bendy swords. It retains it's sharp edge for longer, won't bend when struck against leather armour, and can actually cut through some early swords (esp. Greek ones).

There must be something wrong with yours if they break on hitting bone