Britain vs France! - 1845 Pattern Infantry Officer's Swords Compared

[@xSpiegelschattenx]

If you put together a French blade and a British Hilt, do you get a Canadian sword?

[@xiezicong]

Silly xSpiegelschattenx haven't you heard? To create a Canadian sword, you have to take the worst from both worlds. A French hilt on a British blade. ... Oh wait. That's American.

[@NoahWeisbrod]

Hmm. Small wonder swords weren't as popular in the US...

[@levifontaine8186]

If you take a French sword, you have an American sword.

[@xiezicong]

In truth, though, Canadian swords are British.

[@buffordevans6942]

Brilliant

[@JonyTony2018]

Hey Matt! What about Russian and German/Austrian blades of the time? Can you talk about them? And speaking of Russia, would you mind talking about their medieval armour/weaponry sometime? They seem to be a very interesting mix of European and Asian styles.

[@willek1335]

You should do a time line, where you describe the changes of a particular sword-type overtime with shifting images. It would be interesting for us sword-noobs to get an overview of things. It makes it easier for us to understand the topic that way.

[@penttikoivuniemi2146]

I think that might be a fun video, seconded.

[@shizanketsuga8696]

"They tend to be shorter, heavier and stiffer, these Frenchmen." Typical Matt! :D

[@themastermason1]

Shizanketsuga It's all that butter and wine in the French diet.

[@shizanketsuga8696]

That's probably correct. ^^

[@goofygrandlouis6296]

Ha !

[@Elzimbabwe.]

he did say "these French ones" not "these Frenchmen" at 16:51

[@kareliask]

Now that's a title to draw people in.

[@xiezicong]

I was drawn in by the 1845 French Infantry Officer's Sword. My favorite military pattern so far. Now to watch the video. Edit: Holy shit, Matt Easton loves the French (blade) 1845 too. My life is complete.

[@DzinkyDzink]

10-15k views with 179k subscribers bugs me.

[@buffordevans6942]

Outstanding content and thus far my two absolute favorites!! I currently posses three French 1845's one of which is an etched bladed example , and the one Indian Garuda ( what I call her now ) I got from you .I consider it to be a robust 1845 British .. I have to say that I too really quite like my 45's they feel like Ferraris compared to others .. Interesting that Musgrave says to wrap the handles for two reasons 1.) I'm just now beginning my journey with his teachings and 2.) I have been wrapping the sabers I use with non dyed hemp twine for some time now .. It helps with the slippery horn whilst protecting them ,and on the shagreen ( annoys my hands an awful lot ) protects it as well ... Bravo , and why on God’s earth has this taken you soooo long Matt ?? This other than the accounts is now my new favorite video !!!!

[@zoukatron]

"Pound for pound: it's lighter." I know that's not what you meant, but had to point it out. :)

[@DzinkyDzink]

French pounds are diffferent! They are based off baguette, and therefore are lighter.

[@AtParmentier]

Actually the French pound was heavier than the British pound, the old French pound was 1.1 times the British. The new French pound used until 1840 was 500g, the British pound (Avoirdupois) is 454g or 373g (Troy).

[@Master...deBater]

@@AtParmentier: Thanks...Super Nerd!!!

[@chicken_burgers]

@@Master...deBater Ok random dummy on internet

[@Dark-Mustang]

If you like the French 1845, wait until you see the American 1850 Staff & Field Sword... It's got a better protected wrapped hand guard with a slightly longer French style blade, but etched in the British style. You'd love it.

[@WeirdGuy4928]

"30 inches is pretty short for British standards" Damn.

[@TheCodarr]

Thanks for the video Matt! Love the content, would be awesome if you did a series on the models! Best regards to you and the family.

[@darkestkhan]

Doesn't stiffer blade make it easier to actually cut for less trained people? with more flexible blade edge alignment is of far higher importance and less trained person is more likely to get it wrong.

[@scholagladiatoria]

Yep, pretty much true.

[@filipschweiner1989]

Since Matt started to compare the french and the british, how can we compare french and british sabre techniques on foot during napoleonic wars (because that's a period I'm interested in and there are probably many sources from that time)?

[@myliege5800]

Baguette Meister clothar23 said that training was exclusive outside the military, so multi-variant. Maybe there was an overlap?

[@buffordevans6942]

Le fidèle Why hasn’t this question been answered? Best question I’ve seen in a while

[@duanesarjec6887]

you have somme informations in kzbin.info/www/bejne/q5KmnnaOa7SSra8

[@soupordave]

I really like this video and hope to see more comparison videos in the future! Are there any records of why they chose these designs or made the changes from the previous pattern/models? I know from watching Othias's videos on C&Rsenal that there are reports on firearms developments so we know what the various army review boards were thinking but were there similar formal reviews when it came to sword design? Obviously for wealthy officers it often came down to personal choice and the ability to buy what you wanted, but there had to be a formal review process for the official designs right?

[@JimmyTownmouse]

Still waiting for that 1788 pattern video. I'd love to see how the 1780s and 90s cavalry patterns compare with French weapons too.

[@aaronsrowe]

Really enjoy this type of video, straight comparisons of swords, lots to talk about and also a bit more easy to grok the things you talk about with swords for those of use who don't come into contact with them often.

[@100dfrost]

Matt, you called it. French blade and English hilt. I thought that the French blade looked better before you said it. I was ,however just going by the looks. Thank-you for the video.

[@kevinsmith9013]

ditto.

[@rjfaber1991]

Well yes, but if we're going just by looks, it'd be the French 1845 all the way; it is just an extremely pretty sword.

[@antivalidisme5669]

20 seconds adverts seem to last for days and 20+ min Matt's videos always sem too short for me! And as you mentioned there are many variations in both those designs. I have several 1845-1855 French Infantry swords, NCO and officers issues and they all vary in shape, blade, and length. Even the copper proportion in the hilt conception can change from one to another - Bronze

[@brotomann]

It's so nice to have historical Anglo-Franco comparison videos without incredibly tiresome patriotism in the mix, even if it is merely feigned for a laugh. I greatly appreciate your objectivity!

[@xiezicong]

+1 It's kind of refreshing. :]

[@nindger4270]

brotomann Agreed, especially because I often find myself wondering how I should take that 'patriotism' even if it is presented as facetious. Saying the exact things a stuck-in-the-past nationalist would say but sarcastically rolling your eyes at it is practically the easiest way to be a stuck-in-the-past nationalist without repercussions.

[@martialme84]

Yeah agreed. Incredibly tiresome is a good way of putting it. I can´t think of someone as an intelligent person, that does something like that.

[@FlatcapHobbit]

An interesting comparison in the same vein may be the the 1845 cutlass and the American m1860 cutlass, both beautiful weapons!

[@XHobbiesPrime]

That French lower officers sabre is GORGEOUS.

[@smaspa8627]

Great intro, Matt! Sounding very polished.

[@xiezicong]

Since you made a comment on this, I was thinking how beautiful the animation is. Even though it has changed for weeks, I was mesmerized when I paused in the middle of a spin.

[@pgkraaijen2487]

I happen to own two dutch sabres which seem to benear copies of the french. The 1822 infantry (home guard) sabre is just like the french one you showed (the hilt gives them away), there is also a 1845 pattern that has the same overall construction as the french one, but with substantial differences: A 29" blade of a pipe-back construction with a yelman, spear point and 3" Balance point thanks to a lighter, more flexible blade and a heavier three-bar hilt design. This just feels strong and nimble at the same time, giving much confidence. I remember Maxime Chouinard once demonstrating an 1845 where the Montmorency develops into a pipe-back towards the tip...

[@corwin32]

"Ooh! That blade is sharp!" Aaaah! Matt, my anxiety me every time! X D I know you're extremely practiced, but eek!

[@blakewinter1657]

The general effect of fullers is to make the sword stiffer while using the same amount of steel. The precise effects are going to be quite tricky to compute, but I am fairly confident in this general claim. (This is regarding the single vs. double fuller stuff).

[@todglenn2707]

I have a couple of French 1845s, both Châtellerault officers models, one made in 1846 and one made in 1914. The 1846 one masses 903g and the 1914 is 1004g.

[@redhorse7617]

Regarding each sabre, at the center of the primary fuller, how thick is the blade? Width and breadth at base and distal taper of each? Point of percussion on each?

[@breaden4381]

Your blade has a stiff rod?

[@Yanyr0]

I do own one of these french infantry officer sabers ! A beautiful piece ! Unfortunately, my grandfather poorly maintained it and has deep rust spots on the blade. I'm currently looking for a way to restore it.

[@jonbeaulieu5009]

Hello Matt, I recently acquired a French cutlass which I quite enjoy. We are all well aware of your affinity for British cutlasses but have you ever owned any from any other nations and what is your opinion of them?

[@scholagladiatoria]

Yes I've had various other nationalities. They all have different merits. That's quite a complicated topic.

[@Lionslycer]

I know this is years late, but what is “ironic” about the longer, lighter British sword being more flexible than the shorter heavier French sword? Sorry, that kind of confused me.

[@Tijjain]

Hello DicoGrey!! I have question: I recently became aware that you've been to Florence Italy via you Q&A. Ill be moving there late this year and would appreciate any advice you could me.

[@JonasUllenius]

At time: 21:11 you have your signature voice that sells things great. Really Really good. You say it with passion.

[@mikeking6996]

Hello Matt , I enjoyed this comparison of the two 1845 swords and feel a slight leaning towards the French sword overall . Can you tell me are there any differences between the French and the German , Solingen / Horster Infantry Officers swords of the same period ? And why were the same German swords manufactured , for other countries uses ?

[@simonmagnum7821]

Hello, Would you consider shooting a video putting both these blade designs to test by cutting and thrusting them into drenched mats or something ? A test cutting (and thrusting) bout would be highly interesting, all the more as the French officers in the first world war would often prefer reverting to a 1845 blade than their issued one, deeming it sturdier and more combat-worthy. Thanks !

[@alexsan4843]

Hi @scolagladiatoria aka Matt Easten. Hopefully you still read comments under this video.😄 I recently bought a frech Infantry officer's saber model 1855 (because it has a steal sheath). Just like that you showed in this video. It is in good condition overall but the horn grib shows its age a little bit and is quite brittle and has some small cracks. Do you have some tips or ideas how to take care of it to prevent further damage? Thanks allot.🙂

[@robinmarks4771]

I adore my French 1845. It cuts so immaculately, thrusts beautifully, and its ornate hilt melts my face. By far the favorite sword in my collection.

[@alifetomake]

My theory for the different french blades for high ranks would be that they could be recognized from a certain distance, so they could be used to indicate maneuvers, like where to go, or ask for regroup... I'm not a specialist, and it's just an idea.

[@godnaut]

The etching on the British blade is really nice. But the shape of the French blade is really good looking.

[@henrymach]

Will you do german next?

[@edi9892]

diamened AFAIK, he has no expertise on German, Austrian, Swedish, Polish or American military sabres.

[@xiezicong]

I think he has like, maybe one German sword.

[@buffordevans6942]

diamened If he does I hope it’s the three Artillery Sabres The Bavarian 73 The Saxon 73 The Prussian 73 All are proper combat weapons , and in my opinion the culmination of actual , and last combat worthy Sabres .. Do it Matt 😁

[@Leonard89008]

He regulary sells German swords. I Bought a Prussian Sword from him this Octobre for example

[@skeptiker0124]

Bufford Evans what about the prussian kav sabre m1852?

[@philbyrd5561]

The british sword had a knot when you checked for balance and would move the point of balance back towards hilt... is that the purpose of the knots as well as identification?

[@althesmith]

I've got a pic of a General's sword with a wootz Persian shamshir blade in my Wilkinson "Edged Weapons". Still has the maker's cartouche on the blade.

[@lifewithdoberman1701]

Nice video I have same French sword 1855 but handle is lettlebet lose how can I fix it?

[@hector_2999]

Is it more effective to thrust through the ribs with the edge held horizontal?

[@scholagladiatoria]

Yes.

[@barefoofDr]

I have an 1845 French sword and really like the blade. It is inmble in the hand and a good cut and thrust.

[@guaise1]

very interesting video, and very informative. Thank you very much. Would you please talk about French 1896 MODEL CUIRASSIER TROOPER'S SWORD as well? I find its hand guard quite unique, and an eye catcher.

[@SibylleLeon]

Always a good thing to gain stiffness for the thrust.

[@tlsgrz6194]

So the french ones are shorter but stiffer. The important question now is, who could use it better.

[@clothar23]

I'd argue the British on the simple basis the British did managed to conquer a awful lot of territory in their day.

[@rjfaber1991]

+clothar23 - You're saying the French didn't? I don't know if you've ever looked at a map of Africa, but in terms of sheer area, France's colonies in Africa were bigger than those of any other European power. They also conquered nearly all of Southeast Asia and a bigger chunk of Oceania than the British ever did. Admittedly most of those conquests came during the Third Republic and were built on the groundwork of the Second Empire, while this sword was introduced during the July Monarchy, but still; France did conquer a hell of a lot as well.

[@clothar23]

Yes the French were prolific conquerors as well but not in the scale the British were. Putting sizes of empires aside what language are we using? The strength of British culture speaks volumes about the capability of it's troops. English being basically the lingua franca for so long I think is yet another mark in favour of the British solider and his sword. Cause ya know no matter where in this wide world you go English speakers can always be found. The same can not be said of French. That aside I honestly prefer the French blade in terms of looks and performance .

[@xiezicong]

The British hegemony occurred right after the French (and essentially deteriorated by WWI). They were both very influential in their own right and in their own times. I don't attribute the dominance of English today to the British but rather to the American post-war (and it's unfair to do so since it was France who secured American independence, historical revisionists be damned), and we can already see signs of this influence shifting since the 2000s.

[@bugfighter5949]

@@clothar23 We speak English right now because the U.S. invented the internet.

[@avatarmufasa3628]

Hello, British viewer. You saying a lack of patriotism has just made my day. I actually think the french sword in this case looks nicer than the british sword

[@xlaythe]

Hey there! You mentioned Mamluk swords and their ornamental purpose, as opposed to a "proper fighting blade." I've been really interested in blades and combat from near east/middle east weapons (I know you have a couple of tulwars), especially the Kilij (or Pala rather), and the Shamshir, also Katars - why they are effective or not, and why, and how would they have been useful at all when people were wearing armor? Anyway... I have yet to find a channel that focuses on this area of the world and history in a context of weapons and combat and was hoping you knew some stuff about this! Love your channel and thanks!

[@404Dannyboy]

I think he means the British 1831 Pattern which is a Mameluke sabre (western style) but was kept on as a dress sword for generals. It isn't that they were ineffective swords, but that they were dress swords by this period and were built mostly to show status. Also when is a general going to be hacking and stabbing men :p

[@jonathandbeer]

I'd add my interest in this area. I'm very interested in the weapons of the Ottoman Empire in the nineteenth century, and particularly in the Nizam-i-Cedid and the post-Janissary military leading up to and into the Crimean War. In fact, a comparison between the European forces and the Ottoman army in the Crimean from the perspective of their weapons would be fantastic. Speaking of which, if you have an inclination to do any videos on the irregular infantry of the Ottoman Empire, the bashi-bozuks (literally "broken-headed ones", as I understand it) that would be fantastic - histories I've read have portrayed them as rogues festooned with pistols and swords and weapons of all descriptions. I mean, if you don't mind us putting in request for videos :D

[@lesliewilson2122]

Is there a purpose to the different end cap designs, the rounded british cap vs the flat can shaped french cap?

[@TheKrazy7]

1796 heavy cavalry sword! Please acquire one and talk all about it, I love me some sharpe's

[@renjithrajan6027]

What about the width and thickness of both blades?

[@tylerreed610]

14:53 the day we almost see Matt impale himself on camera.

[@Peldrigal]

"Wooo, that's sharp!" Kids, don't do this at home!

[@Tatti12321]

How much difference does that 10%, 100g, weight actually make? Realistically how much more will that actually tire you, or "speed"/overcome its "extra inertia"?

[@robertpatter5509]

I wonder how the French Cavalry NCO Sword Model 1883 compares to the French Officer Model 1961 besides the 1961 being shorter.

[@HibikiKano]

Very nice video. Do you have any Austrian blades in your collection from around the period?

[@buffordevans6942]

Matt My only and like only concern I’ve ever thought I’d have about French sabres is the lack of metal back strap that the British have present in the handle ... And I can’t seem to get a good answer form the forums for some reason but I’ll try here ..... Are the French sabre handles tough enough to really get with it against say a British infantry officers Sabre or even better a ww1 Prussian M73 sabre ??? 🤞

[@Astyanaz]

Of the swords directly behind you, what are the third and the fourth from the top. I particularly like the forth from the top, due to the curve. Is a decent replica made?

[@althesmith]

Btw, as always, Matt, very informative and interesting. Personally, I agree with the late Hank Reinhardt that "There is no "best" sword. Now, in regards to point shapes- you make good points, pun certainly intended- but personally I wonder if the spear-tip is really better on a curved blade than the modified hatchet, or katana or whatever one calls it. If the blade is slightly deflected because of curvature, might not the latter style of tip "dig in" if you follow me, better than the spear tip, and allow at least a partially effective thrust to be made? Also, the hatchet-style does have a little more "meat" in most cases backing the tip. So, it could be that while spear-points are the most effective thrusters where straight weapons are concerned, the others might be optimum for a curved blade.

[@ThePrader]

I would love it if you would do a video on the swords carried by "The Yellow Boys" of the India armed forces that were perhaps the best light cavalry in the world, and the swords the famous Colonel, his officers, and the NCO'S wore. Col. Skinner has been a hero of mine from the time I was a little boy and read the first book, of many, about his battles.

[@joshhill5932]

Agree with french blade on a brit hilt. The 1850 U.S. officer sword went the other way. French hilt, More of a Brit blade in cross section but was only 30 inch long. Not exactly a brilliant design.

[@CrucibleBlack13]

The 1850 U.S. Officer Sword had an 1845 French hilt, though somewhat more ornate, boasting some of the finer details found on Matt's British hilt & blade. Features such as shark/ray or even sealskin grip and embellishments on the blade. These blades were modeled after an 1821 French sword, with spear tip, and were often 31 - 32" long as well. Though the aesthetics may not be to your liking, there is nothing inherently wrong with the design.

[@Dark-Mustang]

I've always been under the impression that the higher ranking guys carried blades more akin to court swords, since that was in vogue with the dueling culture of the aristocracy at the time. Not sure why the distinction either, just my impression.

[@artawhirler]

My all time favorite sword is the US Model 1850 Staff and Field Officers sword, which is basically identical to the French 1845 in this video.

[@neilpinard7545]

I do believe that there are two or three lengths for the French 1845, Matt has the shortest example. I could be wrong, I just seem to remember reading this. I too have one of these at the same length. Its a really nice 'little' sword.

[@ThePalacios123]

I'm fan of the british infantery saber, is so FANCY!

[@clothar23]

And I am a fan of the French infantry sword for the exact opposite reason. A plain functional look is what a battlefield weapon should have . It's a tool meant to end lives not to be some fancy prop.

[@poshboy4749]

clothar23 You must be fun at parties.

[@Condottier]

As someone who has hold (an American Civil War adaptation of) the French one I think it is a beast, I would love to see that blade on a full steel hilt like that of the Spanish Robert type

[@Zajuts149]

Could the difference in French swords for Field rank officers(Major up) and Company ranks(Captain down) be both the facts that the lower ranked officers and NCOs would be more likely to have to use their swords, especially against multiple opponents compared to the field ranks, so therefore a good cutter would be preferable, due to the advantage of cutting versus multiple opponents, and the fact that some of them, especially the NCOs, would be less practised swordsmen, so under stress would more naturally revert to cutting anyway?

[@scholagladiatoria]

It sounds possible, but I don't know the French sources well enough to say for sure.

[@emmasvard4186]

I was wondering, are they not sabres? since they are slightly curved? (i think you mostly referred to them as swords, but i might be wrong) Great video as always! :)

[@Halinspark]

Emma Svärd Yes. But sabres are swords, so calling them swords is fine.

[@duncanrobertson6472]

All sabres are swords, not all swords are sabres.

[@xiezicong]

Hell, depending on how you define sabres (by hilt, for example), even backswords or even straight swords can be called sabres. *gags on vomit*

[@emmasvard4186]

Halinspark Ah, of course! Thank you :)

[@penttikoivuniemi2146]

I'm always a little bit worried that you will stab yourself in the hand when you demonstrate flexibility of a sword, and this time it was close lol. I have for a long time really liked the British 1845 -type blade for some reason, maybe exactly because of the tip construction and how it looks kinda like a slightly curved medieval sword blade. I feel like I have a wrong opinion among sabre-fans because most seem to favor the 1796 or something like Polish sabres, really curvy, choppy types, but I like how nimble the 1845 one is in the hand.

[@stewarthayhurst1079]

What about the senior French officer being mounted may have something to do with the straight blade

[@laurentdevaux5617]

Nice swords ! Klingenthal as a state manufacture never made 1845 swords, as the government decided to close it in 1830, as too close from the border with German states. The last order was made in 1835 with cuirasses, and then the manufacture was sold to a private company, Coulaux. Coulaux indeed did make 1845 swords, but it wasn't the royal manufacture anymore. These swords were marked "Manufacture de Klingenthal Coulaux ainé et Cie", the name was kept as still prestigious, though

[@redhorse7617]

If anything, what would you change about the French blade?

[@Blair338RUM]

That French sword that you holding up and are claiming is the predecessor to the 1845 is actually a 1821 model! The 1822 model that you mention is the cavalry pattern sword.

[@m.j.mahoney8905]

Hi Matt, just out of interest, do you know of any accounts of the Collier flintlock revolver in Indian service? I wonder if they were ever put to use.

[@Yakubian_Tactical_Dynamics]

Hey matt, slight correction here - the sword before the Mle1845 is called the Mle1821, at least in all cases I've seen it in.

[@scholagladiatoria]

Yes, quite correct, my apologies.

[@redneckkhoekhoe6511]

does the british sword have a heavier hilt and if so would putting it on the french blade make the centre of balance move back and handle better?

[@scholagladiatoria]

The hilts are about the same mass

[@CASHPANDA-vl3bx]

Where do you by your swords

[@maximechouinard8902]

The previous French pattern you show is a 1821, not 1822 which is the cavalry pattern.

[@scholagladiatoria]

Oops :-) Funny because it's the other way around with British - 1822 for infantry and 1821 for cavalry.

[@maximechouinard8902]

I am pretty sure that the 1821 (and probably the 1822 by extension) was heavily inspired by the French 1816 light cavalry. I wonder if this played in the balance in France to change the model (which was particularly criticized) and return to more classical Montmorency blades.

[@Wingzero90939]

Matt if Napoleon and the Duke of Wellington were to fight each other on the battlefield with swords what do you think their respective choices would be with swords of that time?

[@generalgage4780]

when you charge into battle with a longsword and its 1845 . . .

[@scouttrooperhh-1487]

Doesnt need a reload

[@harjutapa]

If your opponent was to be given the one you did not pick, which of the two would you take?

[@gatovillano7009]

I have to admit, I like the french sword a lot more than the british. It is prettier and the fact that it is a bit shorter doesnt seem like a disadvantage. I think that the fact the blade is heavier to make it feel like a chopper reflects the Napoleonlian philosophy of war. He believed that the best defense was a good offence. He was always in the offence, basically. So, instead of having a nimble sword, that would favor defense, have a sword that is meant for cutting. Concerning the straight sword. I heard somewhere that the french realized that curved blades made more wounds on the battlefield, but straight sword killed more people. That is why the french cavalry used straight swords.

[@LeveretTranslations]

Totally unrelated, but do you know what tulwar hilts would have looked like when they were new? Actually come to think of it I don't even know what the hilt material for them typically is...

[@scholagladiatoria]

They would have looked pretty much the same, just newer. They are made of iron/steel usually.

[@carlpeachey484]

Why did so many different countries use shark skin on the handles of their swords? Does it afford really good grip?

[@artawhirler]

Sharkskin is rough, like sandpaper, so it's easy to grip with sweaty hands. The Japanese used ray skin on their katana grips for the same reason.

[@RKcousins625]

Holy crap! I have this same type of antique French saber and I never knew when or where it was from until now, but there are so many numbers I still can’t be sure. Some hilt differences there are, but almost every minor detail is the same, but on the blade it says 1874, how could this be?

[@xiezicong]

Does it have a month and is there any writings? Also there should be two dates. For example, I have an 1889 French pattern. It was manufactured in 'Juliet 1916' at Châtellerault but underneath it has 1889 to indicate the pattern.

[@RKcousins625]

John Tse I see, we’ll no. On the base of the blade there is just 1874. There are other numbers around the hilt, I assume regiment number and such, I don’t know how long these patterns were made though, of course

[@xiezicong]

Strange, no words that you can make out? If you have reddit, post on r/swords with pictures. These were made until at least 1889 when the pattern I have replaced it. Matt did a video on that, too. I think he also noted that some officers still continued to use their 1845/55 pattern because they thought it was better than the 1889, but I don't recall if he said that at the moment.

[@RKcousins625]

John Tse I believe I do recall, thank you very much for the help!

[@chrisball3778]

The blade on the French sword is just gorgeous- similar curve to a Katana, but with a spear point. I don't really know jack about actually using swords, but aesthetically, it's just beautiful. It's the sword I'd choose to be impaled with if I had to die in a big, cinematic duel- being transfixed through the chest with that thing would just ooze class.

[@aramos3639]

Would ooze with blood too 💀

[@markseal6685]

I would love to see a video comparing the Model 1860 Light Calvary Saber to its European counterparts. I believe that it was based on a British pattern, but I cannot remember where I read that at. Cheers

[@scholagladiatoria]

It's based on the French 1822, though generally a bit heavier.

[@markseal6685]

Thanks for the information.

[@ivanstrydom8417]

Although I'm all for the Crown and the British empire, I prefer the French sword in this case, the French blade is superb.

[@jamesbailey5008]

Mate, love your content, thank you

[@RonDicken1971]

I've never been fond of American sabers as they, for the most part have the upward swept point, but these two are a kind of saber I could get used to.

[@52156drj]

Very interesting. Thank you.

[@DzinkyDzink]

Why did they change swords so often if armour became obsolete and target properties as well as training didn't change much(I assume this is the case with guns and bayonnets taking up the primary role of weapons). What changes they introduced? Is there a common pattern towards reaching certain properties? How much economy is a factor(easy and cheap to produce etc) and how much the weapons effectiveness? We need a comprehensive vid about European sword development in 18-19 century probably split up by Navy, Infantry, Cav and Officers.

[@xiezicong]

The short answer is that starting in the late 18th century, the more you move towards the 21st century, the more thrust-centric swords became.

[@DzinkyDzink]

Wouldn't a slash be an easier and more damaging attack against unarmoured opponent? Excluding a 1v1 situation where a thrusting longer rapier is better simply due to longer reach.

[@xiezicong]

See this video by Matt Easton on the advantages/disadvantages of thrusts over cuts: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mWSbq3quht2Mpc0

[@RonOhio]

Love the blade design on the French sword. I could just hear a meaty "Thunk" when you were swinging it around.

[@nicolaiveliki1409]

I think I'd prefer the britisch sword, giving me an edge in not dying from superior hand protection, mobility, and a bit more reach. I might even go for an even longer blade if available, like a 36 inch blade, considering my size (I could easily dangle a 36 inch sword from my waist without dragging it on the ground...)

[@minuteman4199]

Which one would you take if your regiment got sent to Crimea?

[@tamlandipper29]

Minute Man - a few blankets and permethrin would do you more good.

[@Wingzero90939]

French for my person and the British one since it is longer attached to my saddle as a primary sword until I dismount. Also since the British sword is also spear pointed I could just use it kind of like a lance. There will be plenty of dead soldiers around so I could probably get another one.

[@LawkzBro]

i like the french blade more, i think it'd be nice to add between 100g and 200g worth of length and guard. Also, about fullers, although i heard they can increase the rigidity, wasn't their main purpose to lighten the weight? how come a sword with 2 fullers has more weight? Not doubting you, just trying to understand better.

[@MrSam1er]

Mabe a video about a Swiss military saber or sword ? I have one at home, model 1899, but I would love some expert critics about the 1867 saber !

[@scholagladiatoria]

I have owned an 1867 pattern Swiss sabre and I loved it. I regret selling it a little bit. Though I have to say that with their pipe-back design and relatively narrow blade they are probably pretty bad cutters.

[@MrSam1er]

Ok, thanks for the answer ! I believe the 1867 trooper's saber has a more normal blade, with one fuller

[@scholagladiatoria]

Ah, I was talking about the infantry officer's sabre, not a cavalry sabre.

[@MrSam1er]

Yes, that's true, I was just pointing that difference out

[@junglistmovement352]

Nice video. Please do german cavalry sabre. M1811 especially.

[@jesserai]

is that a star of david on the british 1845? what's the story behind that?

[@scholagladiatoria]

Please search star of david in my videos :-)

[@jesserai]

scholagladiatoria done! very interesting. i should have known better than to have asked without searching considering how thorough you tend to be. cheers!

[@xiezicong]

For curious viewers too lazy to search: kzbin.info/www/bejne/noSxp2ukaKuDnNk

[@gastonjaillet9512]

Yes, indeed the hilt of the english one is better, but for the blade, doesn't a longer blade give more opportunities ? I mean, yes the french blade is stiffer and better for thrusting but if you cannot touch before your ennemy... I dont know, really. ( And I am french haha)

[@benjaminabbott4705]

2.5in is potentially enough for a dangerous thrust or cut, depending on the part of the body. Joseph Swetnam claimed a single inch matters: " we have divers examples of those which come out of the field sore wounded, and they will say it was because their enemy had a handfull or a foot ods in length of weapon upon them; wherefore I say one inch is great ods and enough to kill a man, if they both have skill alike, and doe observe a true distance." This is perhaps hyperbole, but various old masters considered reach key. By 16th/17th-century standards, both of the blades here are quite short. Even George Silvers "short sword" had a blade of 37-40 inches. Swetnam recommended a rapier of at least 48in (blade? overall?).