[Kacerdias]

http://www.coldsteel.com/88ics.html

It looks quite nice - wanted to see if anyone on here has purchased or used this particular piece. At $379, it's a bit of an indulgance for me.

[Soap]

I haven't played with that one but I have messed around with a similar sword- the Patton. It seems very effective for what it was designed for: skewering infantry then delivering a cut while still inside of them from the momentum of the charge. I'm guessing it has very little cutting ability but that it will balance well for its intended purpose.


FYI, it is only $230: http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=CS88ICS

[coelacanth]

That's a very plain looking design - utilitarian in it's approach and judging from the angle of the grip better suited for fencing than most sabers except the olympic models used in competition. Is this going to be a wall hanger or are you planning to actually engage in some fencing practice? I haven't handled the one you mention but my preference would run toward the Blucher style saber for about the same kind of money.

[Kacerdias]

I may do some fencing with it with the Renaissance style folks here in town who tend to prefer the rapier/dagger approach. I do Olympic style sabre fencing here in the northeast and compete in various regional tournaments. (And do fairly well too! :) ) A real sabre is quite different from the sport version and I'd like to try my hand at each.

[coelacanth]

let us know how it works out.

[nwilliams]

+1 for knifecenter.com I've ordered a number of things from them and its hard to beat their prices anywhere.

I've never owned the sword youre referring to, but of the number of Cold Steel swords I've owned and handled they all tend to be very strong, good cutters and a lot of sword for the money. Personally the Indian Sabre has never done anything for me, but I do like sabres in general. I've owned the Cold Steel 1917 Cutlass and the 1796 Light Calvary Saber and both were very nice and amazing cutters:evil: I sold a bunch of my swords a few years ago and those were among them, wish I still had them:(

Personally I like the look of the US 1860 Heavy Cavalry Saber a lot more than the Indian one.
www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=CS88HCS

[geim druth]

I have a Patton saber and an 1860 pattern and as Daniel said, the Patton is made for thrusting while the 1860 is a real pleasure to cut with.

The Indian saber looks quite a bit like the Patton and I think both are based on a British design. Their points track beautifully and they handle more like an epee than a saber.

[Soap]

I may do some fencing with it with the Renaissance style folks here in town who tend to prefer the rapier/dagger approach. I do Olympic style sabre fencing here in the northeast and compete in various regional tournaments. (And do fairly well too! ) A real sabre is quite different from the sport version and I'd like to try my hand at each.

The 1908 isn't designed for cutting at all, so it will bear little or no resemblance to the style that you're trained on.

[CWL]

If I may point out, straight sabers were designed only for thrusting while on horseback. In addition, straight sabers were meant for use on heavy horses which charged at the trot, each trooper riding stirrup to stirrup with the next troopers in line. Don't believe anything you've seen in the movies that show otherwise.

If this is your plan, then by all means.

If you want something better suited for one-on-one and frenetic hack-and-slash + thrusting, I'd suggest you try the curved saber that light cavalry carried. There is a reason why these swords haven't changed in design in over 1000 years of usage.

http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=038PP

http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=CS88STS