- Joined
- Mar 8, 2008
- Messages
- 25,481
Doesn't matter if they're antique or modern. Post what you like, and tell us why!
Here are a few of my favorites:
French "Briquet" infantry sabre
I've always loved the effective simplicity of this pattern, and have had the chance to handle an original. Comfortable and nimble, offering a good compromise between hand protection, ease of carry, and cost of manufacture. These were cranked out in huge volume, and for good reason!
The Italian cinquedea
As you can see, it's got one heck of a broad blade! The term "cinquedea" referred to the base of the being five fingers wide at the base! I've got a thing for broad blades, and this is one of the broadest. They were commonly carried in place of a sword in areas like cities that had restrictions on blade length. They were worn horizontally at the small of the back (what we now commonly refer to as "scout style").
Swiss baselard
The sidearm of the Swiss mercenaries, this simple sword was an effective cut-and-thrust design. It's something of a "working man's sword" and I like that about it. These saw lots of variation--a favorite of mine being the one below. Note the broad blade and finger ring!
1908 Indian Cavalry Sabre
A dedicated thrusting sword intended for use from horseback. The design represents one of the last swords that saw actual use, and the high degree of hand protection combined with the lethality of the charging thrust and the considerable reach of the blade makes for one heck of a combo. This pattern also saw use by the famous Australian Light Horse.
So what are your favorites?
Here are a few of my favorites:
French "Briquet" infantry sabre
I've always loved the effective simplicity of this pattern, and have had the chance to handle an original. Comfortable and nimble, offering a good compromise between hand protection, ease of carry, and cost of manufacture. These were cranked out in huge volume, and for good reason!
The Italian cinquedea
As you can see, it's got one heck of a broad blade! The term "cinquedea" referred to the base of the being five fingers wide at the base! I've got a thing for broad blades, and this is one of the broadest. They were commonly carried in place of a sword in areas like cities that had restrictions on blade length. They were worn horizontally at the small of the back (what we now commonly refer to as "scout style").
Swiss baselard
The sidearm of the Swiss mercenaries, this simple sword was an effective cut-and-thrust design. It's something of a "working man's sword" and I like that about it. These saw lots of variation--a favorite of mine being the one below. Note the broad blade and finger ring!
1908 Indian Cavalry Sabre
A dedicated thrusting sword intended for use from horseback. The design represents one of the last swords that saw actual use, and the high degree of hand protection combined with the lethality of the charging thrust and the considerable reach of the blade makes for one heck of a combo. This pattern also saw use by the famous Australian Light Horse.
So what are your favorites?