Cold Steel's 1908 British Cavalry Sword
What makes the ideal cavalry sword? In the charge you need a narrow, stiff blade with a excellent thrusting capability. In the mêlée, on an immobile horse, you need a wide, curved, semi flexible blade for cutting and slashing.
The British pondered this dilemma and in 1908, settled on a sword that favored the thrust. It had a narrow 35" long blade, a thick cross section and a sharp point.
To protect the hand, wrist, and forearm, it had a superb bowl shaped guard and a grip that automatically brought the point "in line" for the perfect thrust. It was easy to carry too, as its scabbard had two rings for suspending it from the saddle or attaching it to a belt or baldric. It was issued throughout the British Empire and it is still used, with minor changes, even today.
Our President, Lynn C. Thompson, became quite enamored with this saber after fencing extensively with it for many years and has brought fourth Cold Steel's interpretation of this extraordinary weapon. It's modeled on the original lines, with just a marginally lighter gauge steel on the bowl guard (improving balance and handling) and a more durable black plastic grip. In our tests, this saber has proven ideal for ground combat (it can be fenced like a rapier) as well as in the saddle and can deliver an effective cut as well as a powerful thrust.
