That blade episode of "Lock and Load" has got me really wanting a cavalry saber. I don't want a cheap knock-off, but I probably can't afford the real deal. Cold Steel has the 1860 heavy saber - new ones are listed on Ebay at around $250.

Anyone have any experience with these, or ideas where else to look?

1860 U.S. Heavy Cavalry Saber : Sabres, Katanas, Broadswords (Cold Steel Swords)

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Before you buy, make sure you know which ones are approved by the agency for carry
It's amazing what a good blade can do isn't it??

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I bought a new official Marine Corp style a few years back....best cost I could find then was over $300. Impressive workmanship as well as awesome lethality in a ceremonial blade!

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Dum vivimus Vivamas

I've read on sword forums that you should not buy Cold Steel swords on eBay, because most of the time they are factory seconds.

From time to time I get the sword-buying urge but thankfully it passes after a couple weeks, and I can wait it out.

Swords are scary.

I wouldn't want to be in the same room with a properly honed Japanese katana. Sharp! Holy Smokes!

Tim

I was impressed at what that fellow did to the burglar when he "only" had a samurai sword to defend himself.

Removed the bad guy's hand, then removed the bad guy from society.

I have had several Cold Steel products and the next one on my list is the 1860 Sabre. I have found them to be great in quality and strength. I agree with the eBay thing, and would buy from any of the big outfits you can find. Two that come to mind are One Stop Knife Shop and the second is Cutlery Shoppe. You can find others with an internet search.
I also saw the episode and hope that they keep this series going longer then Mail Call.

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For the close in stuff, you may want a Naval Cutlass.

U.S. 1860 Naval Cutlasses with Twisted Wire Leather Grip and Leather Scabbard with Frog from Stanley London

bob

That writeup is very hunmorous since it is so full of errors.

First, in talking about "light" and "heavy", it calls this one heavy. The 1840 saber was heavier, and was known as "the wristbreaker". The 1860 came along for that very reason- to be "lighter".

It goes on to say- "and sever limbs or even a head with a single blow." US cavalry sabers had false, very blunt edges- it was even against regulations to sharpen one. They were NOT meant to cut. They were meant to break bones or skulls. Cutting into an opponent could cause you to lose or break your saber as the horse travelled or wheeled, or fell! (remember- this is all happening FAST)
An original that has been sharpened is devalued up to 50%.
Seems like they would know all this......

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Lee Jarrett

Unless things have changed, Cold Steel swords of a European or American original design are made by Windlass in India. The Chinese and East Asian designs are made up in either the PRC or Taiwan, I forget which.

You pay your money and you take your chances with a Windlass product. They're fine for hanging on the wall. They are more of a problem if you're ever going to do live steel on steel or something similar with it. Perhaps unlikely with a sabre for mounted use, but people do all sorts of things so it might be an issue.

I don't know about factory seconds and what not. Being made in India, they likely continue to crank out "extras" not necessarily subject to Cold Steel's specs or didn't make the cut on contract, but CS themselves have also sold seconds over the years of their various products.

If it will be for other than display, you can have a blacksmith make you a sword to your specs, either original or historical.

Here's a link to an outfit offering repro swords:

Sutler of Civil War Swords & Sabers -Fall Creek Suttlery

Here are some originals that I think are historical. I bought these many years ago when the prices were not all that bad.

First: an 1860 cavalry sword - enlisted man's version. I think a horse stepped on the scabbard:



Next, a Civil War NCO sword:



Here's a 1902 Officer's sabre (still used today for formal occasions). This one was actually made in 1902. I was issued one of these as an ROTC cadet Lt. Col. in high school.



And finally, the 1913 cavalry sabre. Designed by George Patton as a lieutenant and designed for thrusting rather than slashing. Our last official cavalry sabre:

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I am not a real edged weapons guy, but my oldest son is, and he says that the Cold Steel repros are as good as one is going to get in that price range. And he really uses them, belongs to some blade fighting society that actually use the real thing and try not to cut off anything vital. +++ on the Katana, he has a couple of real ones, and they are incredibly sharp-and expensive.
I carry a knife on the job, always, and I use Cold Steel because they are reasonably priced so if I lose one over the side I won't cry-too much.

I had gotten into knives about the time of y2k and I picked up a couple of swords...

I got a Rob Criswell 20 inch and a Burger sword cane back in 2001 or so...

Either one is well made and functional...
proper use requires training but even an unskilled person is not someone I would want to face if they had a sword. Close in they are crazy effective with training and they don't run dry...


my swords with a friend

Thanks for all the info. I found this site....

Do not Buy Swords Online Until You Read This!

...which had a lot of useful information. I guess I need to look for a sword with a full tang made of heat treated carbon steel. Some of the online sword dealers carry the Cold Steel 1860 for right around $200 (not factory seconds), so I'll probably do that.

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“What you got, ain’t new.”