Army 'Dress' Swords?

[@Marcus_563]

"a viciously effective thruster"--Matt Easton

[@barefoofDr]

Mat , what can you tell me about sword rolling -forge or sword sword rolling mills? I can't find any information on them.

[@demoncard1180]

Antique sword dealer sounds like a slightly shifty title. "Mate, do you know where I can get sommit sharp and aged, innit?" "Yeah, boi, I'll introduce you to my dealer, innit fam." "Hi guys, Matt Easton here, Scholagladiatoria. So, word on the, "street" as some call it, is that you were looking to buy some medieval swords."

[@cyqry]

Yo not gonna lie, I would love to have that kind of dealer. Get him on speed-dial dammit.

[@Aconitum_napellus]

@@cyqry Innit though? He can hook ya up blood.

[@francesconicoletti2547]

And so starts another Call of Cthulhu module.

[@misadate8688]

warayabooooin

[@viridisxiv766]

yo, can this easton guy fix me up with some blades?

[@dallasadams7039]

Former U.S. Marine here, the NCO and Officer swords that are used in the USMC are dress swords which, in my opinion, is a waste of a perfectly good piece of steel. What's the point of having a sweet ass saber if you can't even use it for more then looking pretty? But that's just my opinion, not that many fights get close enough for blade work.

[@SonsOfLorgar]

Could an NCO or Officer swap their dress sword for a privately purchased functional sword visually identical to the dress sword for an unknowing spectator without breaking regulation?

[@dallasadams7039]

@@SonsOfLorgar Not really, the regulations are very strict. While the US Marines copy a lot from the Royal Marines, the use of Sabers is very heavily regulated and only 1 NCO and 1 Officer sword design is allowed. Its regulated down to the etching that is required on the blade. I would have to look up the regulations since its been a good 10 years since I wore my NCO sword.

[@Jilguror]

When a service member deploys, there are permitted and prohibited items. I think it is common to allow service members to bring knives, but not swords. I have never seen a MTOE (modified table of equipment) with swords, although the chaplains sometimes have some for wedding and cake cutting ceremonies. My unit had bayonets but they never left the vault. They did not deploy with us. If we had swords on our MTOE, for hypothetical purposes, I am confident they would not have been part of the equipment we deployed with.

[@Jilguror]

Oh, I should mention that officer's provide their own uniforms, and officers could certainly purchase regulation swords. The question would then be if the post commandant or unit commanders of the various echelons permitted their wear for various occasions. Certainly one could wear it at a private party. Not likely permitted for official formations or parades. Everyone wears the same gear in those circumstances as published in the orders.

[@wayneparker9331]

Former USMC officer here. I totally agree with your final comment about the reality that in modern warfare not that many fights, in fact very, very few, get close enough for blade work. I would add that using a sword in a real, "no s**t I will die if I don't kill this guy" contest requires A LOT of skill. I've trained in kendo and kenjutsu for 20 years now. Some of the schools of the latter discipline are focused on actual use of a sword in a combat setting. Thus, they stress how to execute cuts, thrusts, parries, etc. like you would if forced to use the sword as a weapon. The first thing that strikes one when learning any form of true combat swordsmanship is how awkward a sword feels initially. A knife feels like part of your hand; a sword feels different and takes getting used to (IMHO). One must train your body and mind to use a sword without being clunky or slow, and that takes A LOT of practice.

[@keithallardice9479]

You really are a fountain of knowledge, I could listen to you all day long.... Thx for sharing once again!!

[@TheLordArion]

Another great one. Just got me two new infantry officers swords m1899 Swedish. They have really different blades aswell where the first is the normal cut and thrust. But the second is like a late rapierblade almost. Hexagonal, long and slim with a wicked point and a nice balance for point control

[@RonOhio]

I think I like the way Matt constantly refines and clarifies his remarks during the video to be as accurate and clear as possible, you can see in his face when he realizes, "Oh, except in the case of. . ." and without hesitation he instantly clarifies whatever point he was making. Builds confidence. I would buy a used sword from him. :)

[@twoonthewall]

But would you buy a used car from him with those mutton chops 😁

[@rickansell661]

It's like the rifles in the image you showed on Guards in ceremonial dress. Are those SA80A1 'Ceremonial Rifles'? - No, they are the same rifles those men would use in combat. This is the case with most militaries, only a very few, generally ceremonial only, units use anything but their combat rifles on ceremonial duties. I remember a photograph of a Guardsman in the Tower of London when a terrorist bomb went off in the White Tower. He had clearly just jumped up and grabbed the SLR he had to hand, the one he used on ceremonial guard duty or the ceremony of the keys, and turned out in 'civvies' to deal with things. I'm unsure if he loaded live rounds but certainly a magazine was in and I can't see much point, given the circumstances, in that if the rounds weren't live.

[@SonsOfLorgar]

Definitely live rounds in all forms of guard duty, though likely just half full or as little as five rounds in it. At least in Sweden, the weapons of the troops guarding the royal palace and the royal residence has their weapons locked up with inserted mags in easy access gun safes when resting and not on post. To be able to fire, all they have to do is pull the charging handle and chamber the first round.

[@MrBottlecapBill]

@@SonsOfLorgar It makes sense, carrying an unloaded weapon will get you killed if the situation ever arises.

[@theburgerking2091]

Have you ever thought about doing a video on Jack Churchill, the British officer who supposedly used his "dress sword" in combat during WW2? There are so many crazy stories about him that it's hard to know what's fact and what's just legend.

[@scholagladiatoria]

That is why I have avoided it. Separating fact from tabloid is difficult.

[@CrysResan]

@@scholagladiatoria I heard it was a claymore, the basket hilted kind. Was it that he wasn't thought to do any of those things or just like "using a bow and a sword in WW2 is crazy enough why add even more ridiculousness to the man?"

[@Riceball01]

I wonder if a lot of your questions come from Americans because in the US, all of our military swords are dress swords. Take the USMC NCO saber for instance, the blade is slimmed down from when it was an actual weapon of war, the blades are stainless steel and blunt, and blade length vary depending on the height of the Marine so that the tips of the blades all hit around the same spot on every Marine wearing or carrying one.

[@L0stEngineer]

When you consider that the sword is usually worn in full formal events and when you consider the stupidly ludicrous amounts of alcohol consumed at those events, blunt is a very good thing. Due note, Not all swords have gotten smaller. The Air Force and their instant-traditions have a very unique problem. www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/25409/the-usaf-uses-huge-swords-fit-for-he-man-and-the-thundercats-to-honor-officers

[@Jilguror]

The cheap swords are ceremonial. But, when first adopted, the swords were functional. Clearly, the U. S. military was still designing swords as weapons in 1913 (Patton Sword). The 1902 Army Officer's Saber was designed for combat. I guess what I am saying is that I think it is a mistake to think the $50 blunt, stainless steel ceremonial swords are the same quality as the swords carried by Army officers in the early 20th century. I would assume the same is true of the other services. Nor is it mere circumstance that U.S. military equipment, including swords, were similar to European armies.

[@Riceball01]

@@Jilguror I wouldn't call dress swords cheap, I don't know about other branches but for a regulation Marine NCO sword it will set you back a few hundred depending on where you're buying it. Any US dress sword that you might find for only $50 is bound to be really cheaply made, not regulation, and not suitable for wear in uniform.

[@Jilguror]

Sorry, I am referring to the Army Sabers sold by AAFES that were about $50 and were ceremonial only. They were common stainless steel and not sharp. Good enough for cutting cake or a wedding arch. Regulation? They are regulation replicas considered appropriate for ceremonies. The only truly regulation Army sabers I know of are the ones sold by Cold Steel. I own one of those and it was a few hundred dollars. But I only saw the saber worn at dining outs (formal army mess).

[@louisjolliet3369]

It is not a uniquely American thing. I have the sabre of my wife's grandfather who was an officer in the French army. That thing was certainly not build with combat in mind.

[@slick_slicers]

A lot of modern ‘issue’ swords are very light weight and a little short too. The RN ones I was offered in the late 80’s felt like a toy compared to my own with an 1854(???) pattern blade. Being young and foolish I continued to use my own, but on a long parade I was left questioning my wisdom. Incidentally, the armoury swords had a lightweight 1892 blade with an RN gilt brass hilt. I’ve a few 1895/7s to compare, so I felt the difference the first time I picked one up.

[@Matt_The_Hugenot]

Exactly. To me a 'dress sword', in the context of British forces, is one which meets a regulation pattern yet has a lightweight blade and is not built to withstand combat.

[@slick_slicers]

Frankly, I think the ones they churn out these days are crap! My Victorian/Edwardian/George V swords would beat the current stuff hands down!

[@MrBottlecapBill]

@@slick_slicers I suspect modern creations aren't being tested as weapons........they're just made to look pretty. Which is why someone like yourself can clearly know the difference.

[@ME-hm7zm]

@@Matt_The_Hugenot "Piquet" or "Levee" sword, then.

[@Matt_The_Hugenot]

@@ME-hm7zm Certainly similar. I think dress encompasses a whole range of swords whose primary function is or was not a weapon but for show. I'd rather trust my life to a c19th piquet sword than to those sold to Sandhurst graduates today.

[@AccidentalNinja]

Now I'm imagining officers complaining about the new update: "It costs more & does less!"

[@connorgrey6994]

With antique or ancient swords, how can you tell when damage is due to use in combat? For example, I've seen a friend's Victorian sabre (Royal Dockyard Battalion by Wilkinson). The top quarter of the blade is missing (the break is clean and straight, perpendicular to the length of the blade) and there are notches all along the cutting edge, without any notches in the thicker unsharpened back edge. Are these features of combat damage, and would you suggest any other things for people to look out for, when looking at old swords in museums or antique shops / auctions?

[@t3l3phasicworksh0p]

As an Army Officer I have one sword with 2 scabbards - Brown Leather Field Scabbard and Sam Browne / Frog for No 2 Uniform. Chrome plated "steel" scabbard and sword slings for No 1 Uniform. As a collector I do have a Victorian British Army "lighter" thinner bladed Piquet sword which I'd classify as a "Dress" sword.

[@Zander10102]

It would be really cool to see those dedicated thrusters in some tests on human analogs. Both in the cut and the thrust compared to other swords. It would be interesting to see just how much cutting power was sacrificed for just how much thrusting power. Maybe this already exists and I shall now look for it.

[@Voelund]

Could you please tell us precisely what is meant by commissariat, all the details of Caractacus's uniform and are you certain you can tell the difference between a Mauser rifle and a javelin? Keep the sideburns "Major-General" Easton.

[@tomf4889]

Matt, you said that the asymmetric hilt was designed to protect main part of the (right-handed) wielder’s hand. But I’m sure that you have previously said that it was mostly for convenience - that the ‘inside’ of the basket was flattened so that it could lie flatter to the wearer’s side.

[@orkstuff5635]

Nice sustain on the schwing at 11.50

[@twoonthewall]

In a simular fashion visitors to London who see a guardsman in red dress uniform and bearskin carrying a modren rifle.

[@slick_slicers]

That last 1895/54 hybrid does have attractions. How is it weight wise vis a vis the full on 1895? I have an 1895 and several 1897s, but the only 1854 (that might be the wrong date!) I have is an RN one with a heavy brass hilt, so it’s hard to compare. I like the 1892 blade a lot, but my RN blade is in full dress polish and looks stunning.

[@louisjolliet3369]

Excellent video. Matt Easton never ceases to amaze with his knowledge.

[@josuelongin7749]

Hi Matt! Why were the rifles still separate from the rest of the infantry once smooth bore weapons were no longer used by anyone?

[@JinKee]

Rifles were elite units. When the other units joined the party in terms of weapons, the Rifle units kept their elite standards.

[@axebearer]

There were things akin to dress uniforms in ancient times. The lorica musculata as it's commonly referred to springs to mind, and some of the more ornate helmet crests and plumes and such. But generally speaking it's more of a modern thing, since fatigues don't look super cool in a parade compared to fancy gilded button jackets with epaulettes and white leather belts, gloves, and baldrics. It's all very Napoleonic.

[@Jilguror]

There are more than just utility combat uniforms. The mess uniform is appropriate for the most formal circumstances that exist. And, yes, some officers purchase swords to wear with dress uniforms. Well, I have seen Army officers wear sabers with their dress blues. As I recall, they were the sharpened type sold by Cold Steel.

[@notfeedynotlazy]

5:53 "hand weapons were actually absolutely used in world war 1" - swords were actually absolutely used _well after_ WWI. In WWII, at Izbushensky, the Italians taught the British the _right_ way of charging Russian guns sword in hand - meaning they _won._ The Savoia Cavalleria regiment had no choice but to make, as a last resort, a full charge with drawn sabers against entrenched infantry and cannons. According to some sources, the CO of the regiment, Col. Bettoni Cazzago, having ordered his 2nd squadron under Cpt. De Leone to do the first charge, joined them telling De Leone "One more saber to your orders". Moral of the story: even THOSE swords were functional and not "dress" ones. TL;DR of the battle for amusement value: the defensive charge worked (hilariously being one of the few Italian victories in WWII), the Russians had to stop their attack for a full 24 hours, and the Italians managed to turn a rout into an actual redeploy. That being the last time (AFAIK) that cavalry swords have been used _successfully_ in a modern battle. (As Col. Bettoni said after the battle, "these kinds of things, we cannot do them anymore")

[@dzonbrodi514]

"C'est magnifique, mais ce n'est pas la guerre" as a French observer of The Charge of The Light Brigade is supposed to have commented.

[@John2r1]

The USMC sword is an actual weapon though I'm not sure if it is sharpened. The sword itself is modeled after the US Army Infantry Officers sword of 1850. With minor differences. Basically it is the US Army's M1850 infantry officers sword. The manufacturers include Horstmann & Son's of Philladelphia and Ames Manufacturing Company among others. So it's a battlefield quality sword.

[@shumyinghon]

great presentation, but are you not worried about rust when holding the scabbard bare handed?

[@JinKee]

I'm sure he cleans and oils everything.

[@rileyernst9086]

The poles used swords well enough in WW2. With an incident of note in 1939 and even winter 1944 (the unit in question was soon to be mechanised, but they delivered an effective cavalry attack on the eastern front and used their sabres).

[@andywilson8698]

Do i see a hint of a stache coming in ? Surely it will complement those sweet chops. 😁

[@ThereIsNoGodOnlyUs]

He's going full mutton.

[@KageNoTora74]

I never imagined Matt with such whiskers.

[@slick_slicers]

Here’s a thought, as swords became less used, towards the end of the 19th century, they became more utilitarian in design. The 1885/7 has a blade designed for fencing and a practical steel guard, whilst the cavalry were moving to a stabbing spike with a huge bowl guard, just as main side arm was moving to the revolver.

[@TimStamper89]

You can clearly tell, with the second sword, how its mostly single edge until you reach the top 7 or so inches and the back edge is also ground down to the point, helps with the thrust and the back swing as I understand it.

[@TheCaniblcat]

I believe modern USMC dress swords are made from stainless steel and not sharpened, so you wouldn't want to have to use it to defend yourself.

[@rajyavardhansinghrathore6690]

I am having an old vintage cavalry/inf sword with engraving akin to this one. Could you please help me find details about the same.

[@macfilms9904]

Many of my Victorian British swords are picket-weight aka 'Levee' swords. My understanding is that those much smaller and lighter swords were intended for dress occasions, never combat. I have a 1821 pattern cavalry officers sword made before the Crimea and it is fairly massive - and then I have a picket sword also 1821 pattern light cavalry officer's, and it is much smaller and lighter - designed for formal events, not combat like the first.

[@wierdalien1]

The piquet weights are dress variants of combat blade

[@jnels06]

I have inherited a ceremonial Wilkinson officers sword. Unfortunately the original leather scabbard is damaged. I would like to restore both the sword and scabbard as the markings are no longer as clear. From my childhood memory I believe it had some artillery markings on the blade. The surname of the army officer who had it is Nelson of my direct line, I would love to learn more.

[@mtgAzim]

Hey Matt, whats that thing thats always hanging with the tulwars?

[@happpyturtle2424]

That is called a mere/patu depending on the part of Aotearoa (New Zealand)you are from. Its a single handed club used for striking to the face/throat and thrusting between the ribs and into the throat. Most are made from a hard wood but if you were wealthy or important you would own one made from jade/greenstone and that would be handed down father to son.

[@admiralgoodboy]

Happpy Turtle its a waihaika, its not a legit one. Its tourist quality the kind you’ll find in gift shops

[@JinKee]

@@happpyturtle2424 how common were hunks of jade big enough to make a club out of?

[@happpyturtle2424]

Common enough for it to be sort after but rare enough for it to be valuable. Sorry it's not a very good answer but I am not a geologist so I can't give you a very scientific answer but in my youth I found a couple of stones that would of been about the right size but I left them there as it was not my Iwis land so was not really mine to use.

[@mtgAzim]

@@happpyturtle2424 It's kinda neat when conversations from years ago can get resparked. I got a reply like a week or two ago on a comment that was 9 years old. As soon as I saw it, I immediately remembered exactly where my mind was when I left the original comment. Since we were around for the beginning of the internet, we're the first generation of people to be having interactions like these. Having conversations with people we've never met, that not only span the world over, but across time as well. It's interesting when you think about it.

[@jgommersJoka]

I have never been more happy with my own 29905/ Wilkinson rifles sword. Now i have seen this.

[@JETWTF]

14:00 I can see some officers using an older blade because of some sentimental value. Using his fathers sword or an older brothers. As for the question I don't see where people come up with it. They are officers swords from a time when being an officer came with social status. Even if they were never used in ceremonies they would be as fancy as regulation/income would allow. You still see that today with officers and their sidearms.

[@theherald4132]

I know this is an 'old' video to get a response at this point; but what kind of sword(Sidesword, Smallsword, Sabre) is an Officer's Sword, or is an Officer's Sword it's own 'type' so to say?

[@thomasschleiter6762]

Hello l am from Canada and have a sword handle with no blade, how can l identify this handle.it was acquired from a vet apparently 100 years old and came with a red sash. Has a 3/8 and 1/4 inch hole taped into the sides.it is metal with no markings. Please advise

[@barefoofDr]

Imperial Japan was an exception to this. The Japanese had both a combat sword and a parade sword for the Army and the Navy..

[@oldmanriver1955]

The Japanese 'parade' sword started out as a copy of the French 1845 - I have what I think is one with a European blade - but the regulations were changed to enable officers to keep the family blade fitted to the French hilt. They went to war with these parade swords in the Russo-Japanese war and probably in the Sino-Japanese War. They were redesigned after WW1.

[@Matt_The_Hugenot]

I can quite imagine an officer inheriting or being gifted an old sword and having it rehilted provided the blade met regulation.

[@mudsh4rk]

I'd actually love to see your take on pre 20th century Masonic swords and court swords, particularly the evolution from functional smallswords to the purely ceremonial society swords of the late 19th century that still had some remnants of functionality in them (semi-functional, heat treated blades, etc.) before they ended up completely nonfunctional in the 20th century to today. It's a topic that isn't covered much at all.

[@SmevMev]

11:48 lovely bit of bit of "schwiiing" on the draw, there ;)

[@Shadow_Hawk_Streaming]

At what point would you say the quality of swords dropped off? I'm looking to be buying an Elizabeth 2nd artillery sword from a guy who's dad has long since retired so is probably around Falklands era?

[@thelonerider5644]

question... who makes affordable usable sabres? Or are they supposed to be top heavy? Got me a replica 19th century (US) officers sword and crap my forearm feels like its getting tendonitis... any idea where to get one with distal taper?

[@topmarksman1]

Any chance of an item on picket/levee swords.

[@evanhale4845]

Very good to know, I have a sword I'd like identified it has no branding but has the proved disc, dress sword with the later guard

[@mandakhbaatar]

Quick question for you, mr. Easton. I have bought a 1796 Light Cavalry Sabre replica. How do I wear it? The scabbard is almost identical to the one in the video.

[@scholagladiatoria]

You need a sword belt with two sling belts, which have hooks on the end.

[@zednotzee7]

I know they may not be your thing, but is there any chance you could do something on Navel Officers swords ( not just cutlasses ) ? You may have done so already ( if so, sorry for asking ), but I can't recall seeing it.

[@minarchist1776]

I would assume that they would have to look good with an orange uniform. Naval officers though might have slightly different requirements. :-) I was in the US Navy from 1984 to 1992. The sword that was potentially available through the uniform shop as an "officer's sword" would only have been good for cutting cakes. I didn't buy one. I don't think that the Navy has had actual factual functional combat blades since the early 1900's.

[@zednotzee7]

@@minarchist1776 LOL ! I was about to say that I was thinking of blue uniforms - but then I saw what I'd actually typed. Just goes to show that it's a good idea to read back what you've written before posting it. I'll leave it as it stands though so others can have a bit of a laugh. :) So, I'll just say that the Royal Navy and many others have been around for along time ( around 300 yrs in the case of the Royal Navy ), and have been involved in many wars ( mostly against the French and Spanish in the RNs case ), and often fought in boarding actions. So I would imagine that Naval ( I spelled it right this time lol ) Officers would have the same outlook on swords as army officers. So I think it would be interesting to see what their regulation swords were like and how good they were.

[@toxi87]

So I have an odd question. I am looking for a scabbard for my 1822 pipe back, it is in good condition and I want to carry it for my recommitment ceremony. I am thinking of trying to make one but I would love one already made as I am a lazy sod. So any good repros or are the scabbards basically impossible to find?

[@thelonerider5644]

I think I inadvertently tested this. My practice sabre (cold steel hutton) wasn't all that great for practice so I sharpened it halfway and wow it cuts wickedly, at least bottles. I have never cut with a sabre before and was surprised.... I still suck but the sabre does cut and well, which would mean a sabre of similarly narrow blade with low mass (such as a "dress" sword or even a picket weight sword) could probably cut well enough if sharpened... at least mine did.

[@adriandunne4382]

The General Officers Sword including the special versions for Field Marshalls and the Master of the Horse were intended to be used for dress wear only.

[@AngryArchaeologist]

Do British officers still receive any formal training in the actual use of the sword, or is it at least an option that they can pursue? If not, when did swordsmanship stop being a part of the formal training package in the British military? From what I have seen, swords are used for formal, non-combat drilling and parades, but it is unclear if the people wielding them actually know how to use them effectively.

[@scholagladiatoria]

No they don't. It stopped some time before WW2, with a few exceptions.

[@MrBottlecapBill]

It makes sense that in modern battles where you need to move quickly to avoid being shot and rarely ever get close to the enemy that carrying a long blade on your hip would be counter productive. Not to mention a bit noisy. It would be interesting to see what would happen, using safe weapons of course, if you took average troops and tested them......bayonets against swords to see which is most effective. Without training of course, just as an experiment. I think we know how knife vs swords would turn out.

[@markkelly6259]

@@MrBottlecapBill Another consideration, aside from the hassle of carrying around a sword that would almost never be used in combat is that it would identify the carrier as an officer and so a priority target for snipers.

[@MrBottlecapBill]

@@markkelly6259 That too!

[@JonasUllenius]

Are there any records of why the decision-making body opted to make these predominant new features and or why they did go with the new type of sword and its features? Discussions that the decision-making body did have like cost, material, time to make it, new armor or other defensive equipment and so on?

[@Barberserk]

For some reason I expected Matt to appear on the video wearing a dress of his wife's. Now I feel disappointed. :P

[@TyLarson]

Does anyone make hema practice trainers that are close to any of those models?

[@neilpinard]

Very informative. I do see that 'piquet' versions of used patterns existed and it would seem that these smaller, lighter 'weapons' would be a purely Dress sword.

[@L0stEngineer]

So this begs the question. Should I start HEMA with the easier sword styles such as longsword or do I start learning how to use the sword I already own and that insists on trying to trip me at the formal dinners?

[@SonsOfLorgar]

Start with what you have

[@scottmacgregor3444]

If you can, try sampling a variety of weapons. You might be surprised to find the one you enjoy most and have an affinity for is different than you thought.

[@louisjolliet3369]

If you are remotely interested in one hand weapons such as sabre, smallsword, rapier, etc., I would absolutely recommend that you start with at least a couple of years of sport/olympic fencing to develop good footwork, speed, reflexes and coordination. These are attributes on which you may build the specific weapons knowledge at a later point. Not a popular opinion around HEMA circles but it's true. I have fought some high level épéist (as in internationally ranked) that most HEMA guys would not even be able to touch simply because of speed and footwork.

[@williammoffatt8558]

I have a saber, that I think is a 1870s Artillery officers dress saber. I would be interested in your opinion, if i could send you a photo of the saber?

[@erdmax_]

Relatively new to the channel - does Matt really like his Superdry apparel? :)

[@thomaspomeroy5678]

Is any armory making these type of swords which are useable as a real weapon? That Rilfeman's officer sword is very impressive.

[@cthibault8225]

I bought one of these a few years ago. For some reason it has started to rust and everything I’ve tried to stop this doesn’t work very well.

[@vincecoffey5120]

The rifles was formed in 2007 so it can't be a rifles sword, It'll be from one of the parent regiments, such as the light infantry or the royal green jackets for example, there're quite a few more to pick from.

[@boydgrandy5769]

And here I had always thought that in the British Army, when one referred to "the Rifles", you were talking about the 95th Rifles. In 1816, the 95th Rifle Regiment was renamed as the Rifle Brigade, taken out of the British Line and retained as a unit because of its service in Spain and Waterloo. Over the next century and a half, draw downs and amalgamations have resulted in the 2005 version, The Rifles.

[@SwordsmanMercenary]

You know I don't know if you still do the movie fight reviews, but you should do "Ladyhawke" There's an interesting swordfight in the climax.

[@justsomeguy3931]

You should review the sword and swordsmanship of Fuhrer President King Bradley in Full Metal Alchemist and especially the Brotherhood version of the series. Military saber, your specialty,

[@markbyrd7710]

If laws were passed and you were allowed to carry swords in Britain (or anywhere else for commenters) for everyday use, which sword would you choose for every day carry? Based on any criteria you think would matter. Aesthetic, utility, defensive potential, etc. Just curious.

[@blacksnow150]

UK Scotland hmmm so many swords to pick from for modern edc here's my top 3 ( ish ) in no particular order 1/ a kokatana ( for ease of carry and use in modern confined spaces ) 2/ any of the swords in the video or other sabre for that matter ( they are pretty much the best cut n thrust swords ) 3/ a sword cane with a cut n thrust blade ( for when you want to carry discreetly ) . and as an extra pick a basket hilt broadsword for when wearing a kilt .... that should cover pretty much every occasion :)

[@markbyrd7710]

@@blacksnow150 I know you may not be from there, but Blacksnow from Glasgow has a nice ring to it. In my American pronunciation anyway.

[@blacksnow150]

@@markbyrd7710 not to far away about 50/60 miles south just outside of the town of ayr

[@SonsOfLorgar]

I'd go for a Gladius style short sword or a sword cane if it became legal in Sweden.

[@wierdalien1]

1845 infantry

[@martialme84]

How much of my money do i have to part with, in order to buy an actual 1892 pattern sword? It doesn´t have to be pretty, but functional.

[@josefbroz5531]

Hello Matt, I would like to ask for the most common sword (sabre) today, which has a quality to use it as a sharp tool and is possilbe to get it.

[@calamusgladiofortior2814]

But about a sword dress? Are they just the cutting edge of fashion, or combat evening wear for the urban swordswoman? ;)

[@llearch]

There was one gentleman who went to WW2 with sword and bow and arrows. In fact, he killed a German guard with his bow at one point. "Mad" Jack Churchill (no relation to Winston), look him up on Wikipedia. The guy is amazing, and deserves more than my mere words to explain.

[@Kobolds_in_a_trenchcoat]

I think Matt has said that story was just propaganda. I know it's awesome but it might just be too awesome.

[@wierdalien1]

@@Kobolds_in_a_trenchcoat i dont know, there were some complete nutters in WW1

[@RobinRobertsesq]

There were still horse cavalry in the Soviet army in early WWII

[@joshuarosen6242]

Was that a schwing I heard at 11:50?

[@Ofotherworlds]

Interestingly, my Masonic lodge does not use a ceremonial sword. We have what appears to be a half-sharpened calvalry saber, I think an 1840 pattern from the American Civil War.

[@barefoofDr]

The swords made today by WKC in Germany are they functional swords or purely dress swords?

[@rem700vtr]

By us in Switzerland officers had service swords and light gala swords.

[@Jim58223]

Matt do you have more info on the last sword you showed? It's gorgeous

[@Jim58223]

article or video on your site?

[@winstonpope2898]

Keep the chops! They look great.

[@jameselstob4173]

17:02 love the clickety click scabbard rings make when a sword is in the scabbard and shaken in the hand. Much better than the horrible clackety clack on an empty scabbard.

[@aronk8810]

They're the same thing unless it's a piquet weight sword or there was a regulation dress sword as in the case of the 1796 HC.

[@mdh6977]

What do you look for when trying to spot a fake??? It seems that stamps could be forged

[@francesconicoletti2547]

What type of sword is the 1892 ? Is it still a sabre ? Is it a spadroon ? Is it a new type of sword that could not go anywhere as swords became obsolete? It seems to have solved the main problem with thrust centric swords on the battlefield, their relative lack of parrying ability against heaver weapons, so it seems a new configuration of sword.

[@wierdalien1]

Certainly not a sabre. In british parlance a Sabre is a curved.

[@Lachrandir]

I can honestly say that while the other branches of the us military may have well designed dress swords, the current USN cutlass and the Air Force officer’s swords were both designed within the last 20 years and would require serious modification to the blades and fittings to make them swords that you can trust your life to

[@babblingbabblator9259]

Nice looking swords you got there. Always clad to see them, no matter what you're babbling. Although valuable info most of the time.

[@markmarksson6361]

12:54 I think the phrase you had in mind but couldn't fish out in time was probably "Pyrrhic victory".

[@robertcole9391]

From my time, 30 years in the US Army, a 'dress sword' was a rename for something you only used for ceremonies. But, in reality.. it was a real sword... Not some cheap, chinese market, piece of junk. Yet still issued dull and needed sharpening... the Sword was quite stout and useable.. It is only called a dress sword because they are no longer used. They are not cheap. Again, only called a dress sword because it is only worn at ceremonies. Same with the Nave, Airforce and Marines. Unless someone wanted a cheap replica because they couldn't afford 200.00 bucks for a sword is their problem. But the sword I bought, as an NCO was quite real. We had two versions. You had a light calvary and what is also known as a 'Wrist Breaker' because of it's weight. There also different designs depending on if you were infantry, calvary, artillery and not to mention different branches of service. But they are quite real.

[@FuzzyMarineVet]

In the United States Marine Corps, all authorized swords must be functional in design and materials but squared off on the edge to ensure the safety of the sword wielders on parade. It was common throught the history of the service for officers and senior enlisted men to own two swords, one for actual combat and another kept dull and polished for parades.

[@grailknight6794]

I think we tend to overdramatize how much wide blades cuts, does something like the 1796 cut better than the 1895? Probably but how much cutting power do you need? Do you really need to cleave a man in two? matt i really would love to see cutting tests of the narrow blades like the 1895?

[@scholagladiatoria]

You can certainly make effective cuts with quite narrow blades, but what it comes down to is how easy it is. It's very easy to chop through a lot of meat and bone with wide-bladed swords, and much easier to get through clothes. Narrow swords are just more difficult to do that with. Using something like a 1796 or a viking era sword, you can chop halfway into a thigh or neck with almost no effort.

[@grailknight6794]

@@scholagladiatoria yeah i agree but i think some people tend to look at those narrower blades as "not weapons" as you said. While im here thinking i wouldnt wanna get wacked in the head even with a blunt sword let alone a sharp blade without protection!!!

[@gnfnrf]

This leads me to wonder about two questions. First, Napoleonic fiction sometimes makes a distinction between an officer's fancy sword for wearing with their fancy uniform to parties and their battle tested plain but dangerous sword that they wear to go be in a war, even if they fall into the same pattern. I'm sure I've read a scene in which an officer discovers that they have wound up with the wrong one and are disadvantaged thereby. Are you saying that this was not how it was done historically? Second, when was the last time that swords were typically carried by officers in a then-modern military? Is World War I the cutoff?

[@evanator166]

You would be referring to an officers picket or dress weight sword. I know little specifics about these swords and actually thought this video would be about them. From what I understand these were lighter weight version of regulation swords for dress use. Matt has a video of an artilleryman's picket weight sword that was carried in combat. For your second question the last wide spread use of swords by officers in a then modern military would be the Japanese during WWII.

[@slick_slicers]

Am I right in thinking pretty much everyone, except the cavalry, use the 1897? A friend of mine in the royal engineers got married recently and carried an 1897 with a QEII cypher and a royal engineer’s etching on the blade.

[@sarumano884]

My father's sword was DEFINITELY a 'dress' sword. He was in the RAMC and they were never drawn. So his sword was a hilt attached to a scabbard and Sam Browne.

[@malik5549]

How you by this

[@rongants6082]

It appears that the hilts on these swords are designed for right hand use. And, it appears from photographs that swords were worn on the left side, to be drawn with the right hand. Apparently, no accommodation was made for left handed men. The military seems to value uniformity over effectiveness.

[@randelldarky3920]

There are many functional dress swords out there. All the sabers behind You would look good on Me while wearing a tuxedo.

[@hashimm5334]

نحن راسلناكم وطلبنا السعر للسيف ولم تردوا علينا وها نحن نشاهد الفيديو وآمل الرد علينا. انا محمد القرشي من الاردن

[@romansochacki7678]

Is that a Maori Mere in the background?

[@mikemcginley6309]

Why were so many changes in their swords in the latter part of the 19th century?

[@mallardtheduck406]

That is a very nice sword!!! Keeps the Mutton chops!!! Make them obnoxiously huge!!!

[@SoulTouchMusic93]

He would look like he's from 19th century then too!

[@zwinmar21]

The USMC NCO sword is, by regulation, ceremonial..however, I can guarantee you that some Marine did sharpen his and take it into combat in Iraq and/or Afghanistan. Whether or not it was a good combat blade is a different story.

[@MaaZeus]

I think the stereo audio is reversed in this video?

[@johnrobia5460]

I have a very similar pattern sword to this. It has an inscription that says Germany on the base of the blade. A Jewish star. And ER the second embossed on the front of the knuckle guard and along the fuller at the base of the blade. I've swung it around a time or two and I can verify it is indeed a quite functional weapon.

[@paullytle246]

The jewish star is actually a proof mark

[@wierdalien1]

Its a interlocked bar

[@AThousandYoung]

"Rapier" comes from "Espada Ropera" which means dress sword

[@andreweden9405]

So, my intent is not at all to start a debate about the quality, or lack thereof, of Cold Steel's swords. However, I do believe that they produce a functional version of every US Military branch's ceremonial sword, complete with a service sharpened blade of spring-tempered, 1055 steel. And, to my knowledge, these are considered regulation compliant. If someone knows more about this specific topic, please add, or correct me. I'd actually like to know more about it myself!... Also, I can kinda see what Matt's attraction is to these very late, military swords. You sort of have the best of both worlds, in that the 1890s are firmly, waaay into the age of the gun, yet you have swords that are also first-rate, as they benefit from the latest in industrialization, material science, as well as military science(i.e. scientifically speaking, "what blade design will most efficiently send a man to meet his Maker?"). As it turns out, I'm a fan of thrusty-stabby-pointy in general. However, my idea of the "best of both worlds" is the fact that I can have a Late Medieval-style sword made with the latest technology and the purest modern steel. That modern standard of quality in the steel, combined with the most aesthetically pleasing type of sword, the Medieval European sword, epitomizes that ideal for me the way nothing else can! At the end of the day, it is hard to deny, at least to peoples of European descent, that the most iconic sword-the "sword's sword" as it were-is the Medieval European, cross-hilted, double-edged sword! This is especially true of the one-handed sword. From King Arthur to the Wars of the Roses, from Charlemagne to the Katzbalgern(as hideous as I find them😄) that defended St. Stephen's Cathedral from being converted into a mosque in 1529, this is the sword that reigned in the period during which the sword held its most meaning, both practically and symbolically!