Posts: 45 Location: Sydney
Mon 25 Feb, 2008 2:12 pm
[quoate] The blade specifications they show seem different from from the original "field" weapons. The modern version has a longer and more slender blade.[/quote]
Quite true, .. like a lot of modern military swords, they have become lighter and more of a 'dress' weapon. That is why WK&C today also does a lot (not all) of their blades in stainless ... simply easier for the officer today to keep his sword shiney (a sword he/she is never going to use in combat).
At the same time, in the German (and more than likely Austrian) military system, there were always two swords for officers, their dress weapon and their combat weapon (sometimes an issued weapon). The British system as you know, was one sword, with two scabbards (one dress, the other Sam Brown or combat).
All that's happening here is that WK&C realises the market is for 'dress' weapons (in the military today) and that is why they are catering for that .... in fact they kind of state as much on their webpage:
http://www.wkc-solingen.de/newshop/care.html
* Ceremonial Use and Safety:
- WKC swords and sabers are intended for ceremonial use only.
- Blade tips are relatively sharp; exercise care during use.
- The blades are not designed for impact and "fighting." While forged, tempered, and designed for flexibility and durability, ceremonial blades lack the toughness to withstand the heavy impact of "blade-to-blade" contact.
- Do not use ceremonial swords for re-enactment fighting.
- Horseplay may result in damage to the sword or, worse yet, personal injury.
- Sword and saber manual of arms is a developed and practiced skill. Do not be flamboyant when handling a drawn sword.
- Children tend to have a natural fascination with swords and often mistake a ceremonial sword for a weapon. Supervise children closely and know that the misuse of a sword is dangerous.