The leather washer is there to soak up blood thats coming down the blade. A more serious thought, the rise of washers coincides with the ramping up of industrial sword mass production. Maybe their original purpose was also to make the marriage between stock hilts and stock blades easier when they werent specifically made for eachother and had very loose tolerances.
So basically what you are saying is that I shouldn't have thrown away the leather washer that came with a basket hilt Scottish broad sword I bought. It was the first basket hilt I had purchased and I thought it was just a a weird bit of packing material.
On a british naval hunter hanger I restored, it had wooden wedges driven in left and right of the hilt in order to acheive this (one was rotten away, causing the hilt to twist and rattle). On my KuK Model 1889 Infantry training sabre, ther is a cast/drop forged steel basket with a huge opening (almost as wide as the grip), and the washer with a fitting cutout is riveted over it in order to make it fit the blade. The function of this particular washer was letting you mass produce the thick parts, and only fitting(hand-filing) a 2mm washer to fit the blade. Thus - if you messed it up or needed to repair the (much abused) training hilt at some point, you only had to replace the washer, not the whole hilt. I can send you some pictures of this construction, if you are interested.
At the battle of Cedar Mountain, in Virginia, in 1862, Stonewall Jackson, while rallying his men, tried to draw his saber, but it had stuck/rested into the scabbard. So, he un hooked the whole thing from his belt and waved it over his head. Jackson, supposedly, had very rarely drawn his sword.
Who would have thought the topic of washers on sabers would be so interesting. If this was ten years ago, I would have said "not another saber video." Now I'm in love with sabers and tulwars. All thanks to you Matt!
A soft washer will also tend to spread lateral stress over a wider area and reduce the stress concentration (and thus reduce the possibility of a blade break) at the point where the hilt and tang join the blade. Further note that this effect will be more significant on a narrower blade than on something like an arming sword, which could help to explain its increased use as blade widths reduced. Then, as crucible steels became more widespread starting in the 18th century, it wouldn't be surprising to find less need for stress riser mitigation by the 19th century.
Interesting. I've just checked my Victorian police sabres/cutlasses/hangers and the leather washers on those appear to just be to form a seal with the scabbard.
'Gasket' would be a more accurate description. In addition to sealing, it also reduces the shock imparted to the hilt when the blade is returned to the scabbard. The scabbard behaving like a slide-hammer trying to drive the hilt of the tang which probably accounts for many loose hilts.
Matt thank you so very much for sharing some of your collection and vast knowledge of swords and other bladed weapons! While many of us may be collectors and users of sharp things, very few of us have the information and examples that you share with us.. Might you please do a review on the US 1860 cavalry sabers? Some were "light" while others were heavier- and durimg the war many were churned out by various makers, Confederate and Federal..
That would be cool! They were extremely springy & flexible too! Some could be bent to almost 90° and they would just spring back completely straight!!!
I use the Dremel felt polishing wheel, they are off white and come in bags of lots, nice and plush... voluptuous even. Fitted to my rapier and smaller swords, I cut raw hide for bigger swords. Just me, I see them as a consumable so keep them looking fresh and ship shape, routinely refreshing them prevents them looking like the sole of a tramps shoe. Stay classy my friends.
By Jove I wish I could actually look at the washer when you show it closer to the camera, but you chose a super camera friendly looking sabre. The ricasso engraving just looked super interesting and I couldn't really pay attention. (not really complaining, I've been a subscriber for years, I remember what a washer is. I was just aw struck by the sabre.)
Matt has to being making these puns and double entendres on purpose these days, gotta love how well they fit with the topic though, grabs the attantion
Figures... I never knew they could be actual washers. When I restored my great-grandpather's military cuteaux there was a "washer" but only encircling the blade's base and I assumed they where only used to prevent moisture entering (and I replaced it with a replica I've made using the original as a template)
great video! All saber all the time is fine for me. A Cuban fencing coach once taught me to slip a metal washer on the tang before mounting the saber blade on its aluminum guard precisely because of this. He told me fencing bellguards are hard to come by where he's from. Can you do a video talking about saber guards? Or about that up turned lip we see at the extreme end of the knuckle bow where it slips over the tang? I've seen this on a lot of gymnasium sabers and Italian sabers. I reckon it is there for strength because a lot of guards after heavy use can crack or bend there. Thanks.
What is the significance of brass scabbards? Have they got anything to do with an officer’s rank or status, or are they just an optional extra akin to having a gilt steel hilt. What are the pros and cons of having a brass scabbard over a steel scabbard?
A brass scabbard won't corrode as readily and they look pretty and flashy but they dent and bend very easily because of the softer metal. I think you had to be a major or above to have a brass scabbard? At least in the British army.
I know copper doesn't spark (the powder holds of old ships were lined with copper) and I think the same thing applies to the copper alloy, brass. Not sure if that would be a reason to make a scabbard out of it. I think brass also doesn't rust like steel/iron so it's probably better for naval officers or soldiers in humid climates.
For me, you can ramble about sabres for hours, until your hair falls off, and it wouldn't bother me a bit. Please, sabres, sabres, s... . Great vid, and i want a signed Easton gym sabre when it finally comes out!!
It shouldn't be too hard to replace a washer without having to dismantle the blade. Make a washer of the appropriate thickness, cut out a hole to fit the tang, then cut open one end at an angle. Put the guard under compression, clean out any remaining material, then push the new washer in place and release the compression. You can swell the leather slightly using dubbin or beeswax and a hair dryer.
I have a sword (broken & reshaped) the washer is gone… the knuckle bow of the guard was cut away & was handle was replaced with a carves wood handle. I wanted to replace the washer & replace the bow. Would soaking the washer in beeswax help it to last longer?
Saber related: For left-handed fencer would the numbered cuts/parries be reversed? Or do they stay the same on either side (cut number 1 always hits opponent on left side of the head) for ease of communication?
They are reversed - the odd numbers should be from the 'outside' and the even numbers from the 'inside'. Though if you have lefty training with righty, then it's probably easier to ignore the numbers...
I suspect you're on to something about the shilt. If it was just for hand protection, then why didn't sharp blades have them? As far as I know shilts are exclusive to training swords.So being there weight distribution makes sense.
I like how you put the pieces of history together into coherent patterns and reasons. What do you do for a nylon sword with a loose basket? Mine came a bit loose and I can't tighten every last bit of it out.
Viridis XIC That would have been a very lazy incompetent man, not worthy of being called a Soldier . Your life depended on your own personal weapon, it was the tool of your trade, and became part of you, and as such you looked after it. Had he have cleaned and maintained his weapon at least once a day, as we were taught to do, then no way would his sword have rusted into its scabbard, and rendered it as useless. As a Royal Marine, if I was found with a speck of rust, or dust even , on my rifle or bayonet, then I would be charged with Gross Neglect of my weapon, and the punishment would have been severe.
I always thought schilt stood for sh&^%y hilt", myself. Seriously tho I always just assumed it was to deflect blades never thought about the weight aspect. Until now.
Most modern swordsmen are portrayed as using only swords in battle. That is mainly due to Hollywood not knowing much about the subject. It seems there are two schools of thought on how to best use swords in battle. One is the dueling method as is seen in most movies just for the action factor. The other being more realistic is with sword and shield in hand. The latter being the most sense-able way. One without the other is helpless.
Some makers did, but it doesn't fully solve the problem, as you'll still be dealing with a thick piece of blade steel against a thin piece of less hard steel. It's easier and cheaper to just add a steel washer, which is replaceable.
Curious about how much weight would have been removed from the basket guard on that last gymnasium sabre by drilling the holes in it - perhaps so they could put a bit more weight into the washer and move the balance point further forward? Slightly amusing to hear you approximating in millimetres when ' 3/16" to quarter inch ' would have done for the first and ' about half an inch ' would have been adequate for the second ;-)
Most people who use the metric system do not really know what you mean by 3/16 of an inch or about half an inch we can guess millimeters is just more precise and we already know it. Eh i prob should not say most but i will anyway.
They don't stop the sword rattling in the scabbard. That rattle comes from the blade hitting the inside of the scabbard - nothing to do with the guard/hilt :-)
Of course this led me down the rabbit hole of "where does the word 'washer' come from anyway"? Doesn't seem like there's a good answer. www.straightdope.com/columns/read/1713/whats-the-purpose-of-washers-the-round-metal-things/
Interesting and informative show. But it takes him forever to say anything. Blah blah blah! Get to the point. Usually just tune him out and quit watching. Ticks me off cause I know I'm missing a lot of good stuff.
The leather washer is there to soak up blood thats coming down the blade.
A more serious thought, the rise of washers coincides with the ramping up of industrial sword mass production. Maybe their original purpose was also to make the marriage between stock hilts and stock blades easier when they werent specifically made for eachother and had very loose tolerances.
So basically what you are saying is that I shouldn't have thrown away the leather washer that came with a basket hilt Scottish broad sword I bought. It was the first basket hilt I had purchased and I thought it was just a a weird bit of packing material.
Yeah, you shouldn't have done that. But fortunately, you can make your own.
Just take some leather and cut out an oval ring and then fit it. Easy. Don’t have to be very exact at all.
John
Oh, sorry; you answered this already.
If it's any consolation I did the same thing with the saber I bought.
On a british naval hunter hanger I restored, it had wooden wedges driven in left and right of the hilt in order to acheive this (one was rotten away, causing the hilt to twist and rattle).
On my KuK Model 1889 Infantry training sabre, ther is a cast/drop forged steel basket with a huge opening (almost as wide as the grip), and the washer with a fitting cutout is riveted over it in order to make it fit the blade. The function of this particular washer was letting you mass produce the thick parts, and only fitting(hand-filing) a 2mm washer to fit the blade. Thus - if you messed it up or needed to repair the (much abused) training hilt at some point, you only had to replace the washer, not the whole hilt.
I can send you some pictures of this construction, if you are interested.
A great insight, thanks for typing it out!
I don't know what I will do when Matt stops deeply penetrating these historical topics and really grabbing them by the context.
Matt's sword has an internal and an external nut.
Interesting.
And one grabbing the hilt :)
At the battle of Cedar Mountain, in Virginia, in 1862, Stonewall Jackson, while rallying his men, tried to draw his saber, but it had stuck/rested into the scabbard. So, he un hooked the whole thing from his belt and waved it over his head. Jackson, supposedly, had very rarely drawn his sword.
Who would have thought the topic of washers on sabers would be so interesting. If this was ten years ago, I would have said "not another saber video." Now I'm in love with sabers and tulwars. All thanks to you Matt!
Matt Easton: "that's right, blades eat guards."
Whiterun Guard: *shudders* "watch it now..."
I heard the guards of Rattay dropped their dull halberds and ran as soon as they heard.
Gods man, I have learned so much from you and your wonderful work. Thank you.
What a lovely lozenge section blade.
They were for washing hilts. Obviously.
Nice.
A soft washer will also tend to spread lateral stress over a wider area and reduce the stress concentration (and thus reduce the possibility of a blade break) at the point where the hilt and tang join the blade. Further note that this effect will be more significant on a narrower blade than on something like an arming sword, which could help to explain its increased use as blade widths reduced. Then, as crucible steels became more widespread starting in the 18th century, it wouldn't be surprising to find less need for stress riser mitigation by the 19th century.
Thanks Matt. My new Mort. hilt backsword showed up today and there were two leather washers included in the package.
Interesting. I've just checked my Victorian police sabres/cutlasses/hangers and the leather washers on those appear to just be to form a seal with the scabbard.
'Gasket' would be a more accurate description. In addition to sealing, it also reduces the shock imparted to the hilt when the blade is returned to the scabbard. The scabbard behaving like a slide-hammer trying to drive the hilt of the tang which probably accounts for many loose hilts.
that's a beautiful sabre
In the modern sense washers are also used to cover gaps in hilt-blade configuration of poorer quality swords.
Matt thank you so very much for sharing some of your collection and vast knowledge of swords and other bladed weapons! While many of us may be collectors and users of sharp things, very few of us have the information and examples that you share with us.. Might you please do a review on the US 1860 cavalry sabers? Some were "light" while others were heavier- and durimg the war many were churned out by various makers, Confederate and Federal..
That would be cool! They were extremely springy & flexible too! Some could be bent to almost 90° and they would just spring back completely straight!!!
What fool would ever say "Oh no, not more sabres" ? Hahaha Also quite a lot more to those washers than I realized. Cheers man!
I know you're talking about antiques, but that FM radio/CD player at the back is almost medieval.
Dear Matt.
Can you please speak more about how the swords are constructed?
Thank you.
I use the Dremel felt polishing wheel, they are off white and come in bags of lots, nice and plush... voluptuous even. Fitted to my rapier and smaller swords, I cut raw hide for bigger swords. Just me, I see them as a consumable so keep them looking fresh and ship shape, routinely refreshing them prevents them looking like the sole of a tramps shoe. Stay classy my friends.
By Jove I wish I could actually look at the washer when you show it closer to the camera, but you chose a super camera friendly looking sabre. The ricasso engraving just looked super interesting and I couldn't really pay attention. (not really complaining, I've been a subscriber for years, I remember what a washer is. I was just aw struck by the sabre.)
Matt has to being making these puns and double entendres on purpose these days, gotta love how well they fit with the topic though, grabs the attantion
I like the new bell intro. It always makes me think I'm close to a tomb with hidden knowledge in "Tomb Raider".
Figures... I never knew they could be actual washers.
When I restored my great-grandpather's military cuteaux there was a "washer" but only encircling the blade's base and I assumed they where only used to prevent moisture entering (and I replaced it with a replica I've made using the original as a template)
Did u keep the original one as well?
"Hitting and guarding whether it's drilling or sparring." Can that become the new theme for any HEMA club out there? :D
Matt, Videos are great. I always learn something, and really wish I had a local school to get more involved. Keep them coming!
I'm now going to learn what I almost misplaced the other day when doing cutting practice.
Have you done a video on how to restore a sword hilt and guard yet? How should leather be treated to keep it from further damage?
What do you think of rings for the thumb? Such as seen on the Swedish M/1685 Manskapsvärja (Type of Backsword)
great video! All saber all the time is fine for me. A Cuban fencing coach once taught me to slip a metal washer on the tang before mounting the saber blade on its aluminum guard precisely because of this. He told me fencing bellguards are hard to come by where he's from.
Can you do a video talking about saber guards? Or about that up turned lip we see at the extreme end of the knuckle bow where it slips over the tang? I've seen this on a lot of gymnasium sabers and Italian sabers. I reckon it is there for strength because a lot of guards after heavy use can crack or bend there. Thanks.
Amusingly, I already did a video on that exact topic - it's sitting in the publishing line for a few days from now.
Ok. Thank you. Keep up the great work. This channel just keeps getting better and better.
What is the significance of brass scabbards? Have they got anything to do with an officer’s rank or status, or are they just an optional extra akin to having a gilt steel hilt. What are the pros and cons of having a brass scabbard over a steel scabbard?
A brass scabbard won't corrode as readily and they look pretty and flashy but they dent and bend very easily because of the softer metal. I think you had to be a major or above to have a brass scabbard? At least in the British army.
I know copper doesn't spark (the powder holds of old ships were lined with copper) and I think the same thing applies to the copper alloy, brass. Not sure if that would be a reason to make a scabbard out of it. I think brass also doesn't rust like steel/iron so it's probably better for naval officers or soldiers in humid climates.
I wonder: do they dull blades slower due to the softer metal?
I'd think because the brass is putting less force on the steel when hitting
My swedish police saber from 1896 has a washer and I just assumed it was to stop it from rattling when riding.
The leather washer used to seal the scabbard is more of gasket than a washer.
True.
For me, you can ramble about sabres for hours, until your hair falls off, and it wouldn't bother me a bit. Please, sabres, sabres, s... . Great vid, and i want a signed Easton gym sabre when it finally comes out!!
Fascinating, thanks Matt!
It shouldn't be too hard to replace a washer without having to dismantle the blade. Make a washer of the appropriate thickness, cut out a hole to fit the tang, then cut open one end at an angle. Put the guard under compression, clean out any remaining material, then push the new washer in place and release the compression. You can swell the leather slightly using dubbin or beeswax and a hair dryer.
What modern material would you use instead of leather to accomplish the same job?
I have a sword (broken & reshaped) the washer is gone… the knuckle bow of the guard was cut away & was handle was replaced with a carves wood handle. I wanted to replace the washer & replace the bow. Would soaking the washer in beeswax help it to last longer?
Saber related: For left-handed fencer would the numbered cuts/parries be reversed? Or do they stay the same on either side (cut number 1 always hits opponent on left side of the head) for ease of communication?
They are reversed - the odd numbers should be from the 'outside' and the even numbers from the 'inside'. Though if you have lefty training with righty, then it's probably easier to ignore the numbers...
Thanks! That's what I suspected and I'm glad to hear because I find that easier.
Very interesting. Thanks for the video !
I suspect you're on to something about the shilt. If it was just for hand protection, then why didn't sharp blades have them? As far as I know shilts are exclusive to training swords.So being there weight distribution makes sense.
That's a nice piece!
The saber shown at the beginning of the video is very lovely and exotic! I'm wondering what pattern is that ?
It is a custom made sword by Wilkinson, made in 1882, for Prince Mahmoud Hamdi Pasha, Prince of Egypt.
scholagladiatoria Wow ! A truly magnificent sword . Is it a cutting or thrusting blade ?
@Rami Bairi it's a penetrating blade :P B=✊=D -
I like how you put the pieces of history together into coherent patterns and reasons.
What do you do for a nylon sword with a loose basket? Mine came a bit loose and I can't tighten every last bit of it out.
Matt - Americans use the word "autumn." Sometimes, even, "autumnal."
Only noticed that morion helmet in the background just now. Any chance of an upcoming video about it?
can you read us the account of the guy who had his sword rust in the scabbard? thats a story worth telling!
Viridis XIC That would have been a very lazy incompetent man, not worthy of being called a Soldier . Your life depended on your own personal weapon, it was the tool of your trade, and became part of you, and as such you looked after it. Had he have cleaned and maintained his weapon at least once a day, as we were taught to do, then no way would his sword have rusted into its scabbard, and rendered it as useless. As a Royal Marine, if I was found with a speck of rust, or dust even , on my rifle or bayonet, then I would be charged with Gross Neglect of my weapon, and the punishment would have been severe.
Like many people, I'd wondered what the schilt was for on a feder. Now I know, and knowing is half the battle.
I always thought schilt stood for sh&^%y hilt", myself.
Seriously tho I always just assumed it was to deflect blades never thought about the weight aspect. Until now.
Most modern swordsmen are portrayed as using only swords in battle. That is mainly due to Hollywood not knowing much about the subject. It seems there are two schools of thought on how to best use swords in battle. One is the dueling method as is seen in most movies just for the action factor. The other being more realistic is with sword and shield in hand. The latter being the most sense-able way. One without the other is helpless.
so you might say the washer is an expansion joint like that used in concreate sidewalks
can we still find the sabre you helped make in the USA? also the one at 14:38. when i do a google search i must be butchering the spelling lol
Conservator's wax? I've found it protects quite well.
Sabre (and cutlass)! Sabre (and cutlass)! Sabre (and cutlass)! Sabre (and cutlass)!
A lapped and soldered brass or copper washer could be a repair to those practice sabers.
The early 20th century gymnasium sabre looks a lot like the Hanwei Pecoraro sabre. Are these designs related in any way you know about Matt?
The Hanwei models are supposed to be replicas of Italian practice sabres, yes. However their quality and handling is unfortunately inferior.
So if the blade eats the guard, because the guard is soft metal and the blade is hardened metal, why not harden the guard also?
Some makers did, but it doesn't fully solve the problem, as you'll still be dealing with a thick piece of blade steel against a thin piece of less hard steel. It's easier and cheaper to just add a steel washer, which is replaceable.
I see. Thank you for your answer. It is more clear now.
Matt, My 1897 doesn't have one. Do I need one or where can I get one?
Also it would make it less stealthy. I can imagine no matter what time your in, stealth is important in a military setting.
I just saying one less thing that rattles and makes noise, when you don’t want to make noise certainly can’t heart anything at the least.
Quick question is the weakest part of the sword is it the nut on the end? :P
Re: sword stuck in its scabbard, it's something that would happen to the Capitan character in the Commedia dell'arte, a cowardly braggart.
Blade Buffer is also a name for washer.
Curious about how much weight would have been removed from the basket guard on that last gymnasium sabre by drilling the holes in it - perhaps so they could put a bit more weight into the washer and move the balance point further forward?
Slightly amusing to hear you approximating in millimetres when ' 3/16" to quarter inch ' would have done for the first and ' about half an inch ' would have been adequate for the second ;-)
Most people who use the metric system do not really know what you mean by 3/16 of an inch or about half an inch we can guess millimeters is just more precise and we already know it.
Eh i prob should not say most but i will anyway.
i bought a sabre that had one made of felt. it flew off when i was cutting plastic bottles with it and i never saw it again.
Sounds about right! The French ones are are often fabric and they always seem to fall apart.
Is that a Surrey flag in the background?
Since oil deteriorates the leather, what would you recommend for preserving it (and leather scabbards as well?)
Just lube it up~
Fairly sure that horsey people use leather oils/waxes on their straps and saddles - probably worth giving that a go.
Whats your opinion on new steel black fencers ?
On my modern sabre you can see the brass where the reinforcement meets the hilt..brazed on?
\
It looks like he's gotten quite a bit of sun.
What about, in the modern day, we used rubber washers instead?
Is that the gymnasium saber you showed in the patreon video?
Yes :-)
Surely the answer is, "to keep the crossguard/basket/tsubo in place? How can this possibly take 23 minutes to explain???
"Or fall, for Americans." Dude, Americans use the word autumn too.
Bearing with you
Very nice video, thanks. Maybe you can talk a bit more about brass washers next time. How good are the compared to leather ones etc.
Damn, missed the option of "it's to stop you sabre rattling!"
They don't stop the sword rattling in the scabbard. That rattle comes from the blade hitting the inside of the scabbard - nothing to do with the guard/hilt :-)
@@scholagladiatoria yes, but it makes a great joke. Think political sabre rattling.
Let me have one of you sabres
Shock absorber?
Cosmetically, I prefer a crossguard
No I want more saber!
Matt Easton, penetrative context 😊
Of course this led me down the rabbit hole of "where does the word 'washer' come from anyway"? Doesn't seem like there's a good answer.
www.straightdope.com/columns/read/1713/whats-the-purpose-of-washers-the-round-metal-things/
Why is it called a "washer", though?
A washer is a thing that goes between two other objects that are being attached to each other.
Well, I got that from the video, but I guess it doesn't have to do anything with washing anything, does it?
In the case of emergency you can use a chew-gum instead...
I prefer an internal nut, personally.
Just feels better, you know?
There's nothing like a free dangling, external nut. All depending on context, obviously.
SWORDS EAT GUARDS
Interesting and informative show. But it takes him forever to say anything. Blah blah blah! Get to the point. Usually just tune him out and quit watching. Ticks me off cause I know I'm missing a lot of good stuff.
OMGOSH!! How long winded can he be?! Get to the point already!! Grrrrr. ::Rolling eyes:: Forget it! I'm not watching the rest of this.