Wow, so this is a very old video that I'm commenting on, but I wanted to interject something! I read the article on British military practice sabres on Mr Easton's website, and the hanwei seems more a copy of the British pattern 1899, where this video is highlighting the 1895. Small differences between these two models, but the hanwei compares much more in line with the later model.
I don't know if it was the intent, but to me it looks like those flanges would have a third function. If you are gripping it low down in a more pistol grip fashion you do not have an abrupt narrow edge rubbing against hour hand, but rather a wider turned over flange.
Matt, do you have any thoughts on thumb-rings like you see on Polish sabers and some Dussacks/Tesaks, and why they don't seem to be common on military sabers? I've watched most of your videos but can't recall that point coming up and think it might make an interesting video.
Military sabres are made for the thumb to go on the backstrap so a thumb ring wouldn’t make sense. Thumb rings were mainly used in the 17th century on cutlasses to help balance the asymmetrical shell guards.
I agree that thumb rings would make a facsinating topic for a video. I have only used a sword with a thumb ring once but it seemed to give excellent control in the follow through and recovery. Made me want to add rings to all my swords (well, allmost all). Thanks Matt, cheers!
Forndrome Because it allows some actions that would be difficult without one. Person I prefer having a symmetrical hilt without a thumb ring, and of course preference definitely influenced weapon choices historically as well.
Great video, as always! Would you say that, as far as advances in saber technology, that the Italians were ahead of the rest? They seem to be the first to use a checkered flat backstrap and larger more protective hand guards with a number of curious features.
I wonder if Matt has played Doom? Doomguy's apparently got his own sword now in the newest game. It's not big and glowy - it actually seems sort of practical in its context (to my uninformed perspective). Ignoring the serrated chainsaw appearance at the edge - it basically looks like an extendable bayonet attached perpendicular to the armor of his forearm.
Hey Matt, I'm doing a living history project based on a 15th Century Deputy Provost and i'm struggling to find any information about their duties and clothing, is there anything you can shed any light on, it would be much appreciated!
Nice! FYI, I've gotten the cold steel sabre, its similar to the much-derided Hanwei hutton but the hilt is slightly more robust. Just a recommendation... haven't used it in practice tho, been injured (sadly). I know people say aweful things about cold steel sword quality but it isn't bad, so far...
I have the cold steel hutton, apart from being heavy and not very responding, the saber rusts super quickly. You have to oil it twice a week and keep it in dry condition
I noticed that too, which is a shame. It's like they used a very different grade of steel, most other blunt swords I have are less susceptible to rust with care...
The 1895 pattern infantry sword that he pulled out for a sec in this video. Unfortunately the 1895 gymnasium sword, being a trainer for the infantry sword, does not handle very close to the military one.
I doubt it. American cavalry loved their guns very much. As I remember it, most period references are along the lines of "I left it in camp and took 3 revolvers instead". :D
Actually, yes. American swords are typically a blend of muktipke European characteristics pending the model, and there was far far less standardization in the ranks of American swords than most other places. Two of the same model of sword, from two different makers will feel very different from one another for example. The Model 1840 Cavalry Sabre is a French styled sabre with Prussian dynamics. The American model 1872 artillery officers sabre for example is a Prussian style dress sword, but with brass hilt and scabbard mountings. The 1902 officers sabre is an Italian style sabre, and if we go back to the Starr model we have a fairly unique flat ground, clip point, bellied edge, 1796 style sword. The Model 1833 is modeled on the British P1821 cavalry officers pipeback sabre.
Actually, that's not totally true. In the beginning of the civil war the US Cav was poorly equipped to deal with a large conflict, but in the middle to later years the cavalry began to use their sabres against the rebel forces with quite a lot of effectiveness. The "revolver horseman" myth is one often propagated by the same who believe that swords were big heavy blunt impact objects.
The Hanwei also has a dangerous tip. Assuming you are talking about the type I have :P I bought it just because it was dirt cheap and I just wanted a sabre to try out some basics and occasionally spar with. I haven't had any problems with the blade taking too much damage, but the hand guard bent from a single strike from a Polish sabre, and the sword itself feels like ass in the hand. In a bad way.
Theoretically, could this blade simply be cast from a quality steel? then using appropriate methods to refine it to final shape? I ask because this looks like a single solid piece of metal.
Hi, I definitely got mysteriously unsubscribed, I don't know exactly when, and I don't know what could have caused it. Did you lose a lot of subscribers?
Wow, so this is a very old video that I'm commenting on, but I wanted to interject something! I read the article on British military practice sabres on Mr Easton's website, and the hanwei seems more a copy of the British pattern 1899, where this video is highlighting the 1895. Small differences between these two models, but the hanwei compares much more in line with the later model.
That is a stylish gymnasium sword for training purposes.The details are awesome.Thank you very much for the detailed presantation.
I don't know if it was the intent, but to me it looks like those flanges would have a third function. If you are gripping it low down in a more pistol grip fashion you do not have an abrupt narrow edge rubbing against hour hand, but rather a wider turned over flange.
Do a video on that us cavalry sabre!
Word around the office is you've got a rounded blob
Matt, do you have any thoughts on thumb-rings like you see on Polish sabers and some Dussacks/Tesaks, and why they don't seem to be common on military sabers? I've watched most of your videos but can't recall that point coming up and think it might make an interesting video.
Military sabres are made for the thumb to go on the backstrap so a thumb ring wouldn’t make sense. Thumb rings were mainly used in the 17th century on cutlasses to help balance the asymmetrical shell guards.
That doesn't explain thumb rings on Polish sabers which tended to have stirrup-style hilts though.
I agree that thumb rings would make a facsinating topic for a video. I have only used a sword with a thumb ring once but it seemed to give excellent control in the follow through and recovery. Made me want to add rings to all my swords (well, allmost all).
Thanks Matt, cheers!
Forndrome Because it allows some actions that would be difficult without one. Person I prefer having a symmetrical hilt without a thumb ring, and of course preference definitely influenced weapon choices historically as well.
fear of broken thumbs.
Great video, as always! Would you say that, as far as advances in saber technology, that the Italians were ahead of the rest? They seem to be the first to use a checkered flat backstrap and larger more protective hand guards with a number of curious features.
esgrima xativa Italia über alles
oehhhh the burgundian-englisch salet in the backgrpund nom nom :D
Been a while since Matt's done an armour video... I'd say we're overdue.
Ahh yes . . a rounded blob on the end.
A nipple pommel, for maximum penetration but sadly it loses the ability to (un-)screw itself
Congratulations in advance for 200k subscribers.
I wonder if Matt has played Doom?
Doomguy's apparently got his own sword now in the newest game. It's not big and glowy - it actually seems sort of practical in its context (to my uninformed perspective). Ignoring the serrated chainsaw appearance at the edge - it basically looks like an extendable bayonet attached perpendicular to the armor of his forearm.
Hey Matt, I'm doing a living history project based on a 15th Century Deputy Provost and i'm struggling to find any information about their duties and clothing, is there anything you can shed any light on, it would be much appreciated!
Are there Hanwei-products - e.g. sabres - that you would recommend for solo-training?
How to you measure flex or stiff? How many kg do you need to bend the tip say, 90°?
Bullet casings? People (used to) put those on the tip of blades? I understand the reason but wouldn't the brass be pretty weak?
it's not the strongest metal but the base of an empty case is plenty strong enough for the forces developed in fencing.
I have a 22 long rifle casing on my rapier and it lasts quite well. It’s there too stop the tip from punching through the rubber.
Nice!
FYI, I've gotten the cold steel sabre, its similar to the much-derided Hanwei hutton but the hilt is slightly more robust. Just a recommendation... haven't used it in practice tho, been injured (sadly). I know people say aweful things about cold steel sword quality but it isn't bad, so far...
I've heard of quite a few breaking unfortunately. As well as other design issues.
NOW you tell me lol!
I have the cold steel hutton, apart from being heavy and not very responding, the saber rusts super quickly. You have to oil it twice a week and keep it in dry condition
I noticed that too, which is a shame. It's like they used a very different grade of steel, most other blunt swords I have are less susceptible to rust with care...
Just in the last week it got its first rust. Not cool!
Hi, Matt. A question: what would be the militar equivalent of this sword?
The 1895 pattern infantry sword that he pulled out for a sec in this video. Unfortunately the 1895 gymnasium sword, being a trainer for the infantry sword, does not handle very close to the military one.
I want a Superdry fencing Jacket
Will you have it at FC?
*flange stiffening*
Fnarrrrr
Why does Matt refuse to put the lavaliere wire under his shirt? He must think that's too fussy.
Did American sabers have any characteristics that we uniquely American?
Ray Chilensky cupon for a free Coke and 1/2 off a six pack of hotdogs.
I doubt it. American cavalry loved their guns very much. As I remember it, most period references are along the lines of "I left it in camp and took 3 revolvers instead". :D
Actually, yes. American swords are typically a blend of muktipke European characteristics pending the model, and there was far far less standardization in the ranks of American swords than most other places.
Two of the same model of sword, from two different makers will feel very different from one another for example.
The Model 1840 Cavalry Sabre is a French styled sabre with Prussian dynamics.
The American model 1872 artillery officers sabre for example is a Prussian style dress sword, but with brass hilt and scabbard mountings.
The 1902 officers sabre is an Italian style sabre, and if we go back to the Starr model we have a fairly unique flat ground, clip point, bellied edge, 1796 style sword. The Model 1833 is modeled on the British P1821 cavalry officers pipeback sabre.
Actually, that's not totally true. In the beginning of the civil war the US Cav was poorly equipped to deal with a large conflict, but in the middle to later years the cavalry began to use their sabres against the rebel forces with quite a lot of effectiveness.
The "revolver horseman" myth is one often propagated by the same who believe that swords were big heavy blunt impact objects.
Don't you hate it when your tip breaks?
where have you hidden the outside field?
He is hidden in his hut
The Hanwei also has a dangerous tip. Assuming you are talking about the type I have :P I bought it just because it was dirt cheap and I just wanted a sabre to try out some basics and occasionally spar with. I haven't had any problems with the blade taking too much damage, but the hand guard bent from a single strike from a Polish sabre, and the sword itself feels like ass in the hand. In a bad way.
Theoretically, could this blade simply be cast from a quality steel? then using appropriate methods to refine it to final shape? I ask because this looks like a single solid piece of metal.
That’s not exactly how sword making works
LOL, those are quite a bit more substantial than current fencing sabres. That's going to hurt on a good connection!
A nice, well-made piece of training kit. Too bad it came at the very end of the sabre's usefulness as a military implement.
12 comments I got here fast
Hi, I definitely got mysteriously unsubscribed, I don't know exactly when, and I don't know what could have caused it. Did you lose a lot of subscribers?
No, I don't want to play "underwear and skins"
Matt you are so European with your Cm what about us old English bu**ers. Maybe do inches as well,so we do not need to strain our humble brains.