Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)The 1796 pattern or Blucher saber is modeled on the Indian talwar and is *the* sword to have if you are interested in cutting weapons of the European martial tradition. There are numerous firsthand accounts of this sword's performance in battle, where it often sent limbs and heads flying. It is not that the Blucher inflicted deadlier wounds than the thrusting swords used by the French dragoons. The wounds were just far uglier to look at.
The Cold Steel model is an eminently functional example, though it's a bit nose-heavy by all accounts, making point recovery challenging. Acceleration, however, is truly frightening, which, along with the curved and very sharp edge, translates to ferocious cutting power. I find it every bit as impressive as a katana, with greater reach. I can only wonder why Japanese sword arts engender such awe and even fetishism when equally impressive European traditions are largely forgotten.
It's widely supposed that you "can't thrust" with a sword like this. While it is true that you can't fence in double time as you can with a smallsword, you certainly can thrust with a curved blade, and in fact, the curvature permits you in many cases to thrust around an opponent's guard at angles that would be impossible with a straight blade. While it feels anything but agile at first, it is really very lively if you get the feel for a few simple principles. (These are presented on the free Cold Steel Sword Proof DVD in a brief lesson that is really a teaser for the CS saber and cutlass video. Get all the free DVDs CS offers. They are huge fun.)
Some people think this is an "ugly" sword, maybe because of the brute functionality of its flared "hatchet" point and its complete lack of decorative appointments, but I find its spare utilitarianism aesthetically pleasing. It reminds me of Shaker furniture-- not one needless filigree to divert the thing from its single purpose, which in the Blucher's case is mayhem.
But who would ever use a sword for anything but decoration these days? Well, at the risk of getting laughed at, I'd say this saber is an awesome home defense weapon. Yes, I'm aware of the advent of repeating firearms, but the saber has its advantages, and I'm just going to leave it at that.
But even if all you're going to do is hang it on a wall or dismember some pool noodles with it, you can't go wrong with this sword. To me, this general-issue tool represents a peak in Western arms.
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1796 Light Cavalry Saber, Wood/Leather ScabbardATTRIBUTESBlade Length (inches):33.00Blade Material:1055 High Carbon SteelCarry System:Wood Scabbard Covered in Leather BlackHandle Material:Black LeatherOverall Length (inches):37.75
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