Cadet Swords

[kBob]

This current thread on an Odd Fellows ceremonial sword got me wondering.

What about the Cadet Swords used by the academies and places like The Citadel and VMI?

I have seen and handled a few and the blades seem to return to true when bent or twisted a bit and they have a good bit more heft than Odd Fellows or KoC swords and some Masonic swords I have seen.

The hilts and guards of these military school swords do appear to be cast on however.

They gave more of a clang than a thump when improperly played with.

I once witnessed one actually used for a sword. Straight through and though thrust. Yes, the 'victim' did need serious attitude adjustment.

The swords used for the "Junior Sword Drill" at The Citadel were in the past handed down and most had the handles worn smooth by use by that Honor Society. it gave them a completely different feel from the normal Cadet officers swords. Something to do with blood sweat and tears no doubt.

-kBob

 

[Sunray]

Military school swords, etc. are made as cheaply as possible. So are Odd Fellows, K of C and Masonic swords. They're made for parades not fighting. Lot of 'em are made in India and China. The current maker for West Point is WKC Stahl- und Metallwarenfabrik, Solingen, Germany. Still a dress sword, not a weapon.

 

[kBob]

If any of the Cadet swords I handled in the 1960s were made in China or India I would be greatly surprised.

The one I witnessed being driven through a lung and its enclosing rib cage front and back did not bend or twist. Of course it may have been a matter of technique.

Some "tinged" when the tips were tapped on solid objects or another sword and a few sang when drawn from the steel scabbards.

Never heard a ceremonial Fraternaty sword do that which is why I asked. I know they are not inteneded as weapons, but the ones I saw handled and heard did seem made of finer steel than my friends OF or any of the KoC or Masonic swords I have seen. These were of course fifty years ago and today's Kaydets might not be so well "Armed"

I put off buying a saber to go with my Blues until I got out mainly because I did not want a costume sword. I was terribly upset when I got my first look at an Army Dress saber. Supposedly in the early 1980s there was an outfit that would sell you a live blade with proper marking sfor a dress saber for an expectedly high price. Honestly, most officers I knew never bothered to buy one and when one was needed someone loaned one to the guy in need.

-kBob