The m/1848 came about when the Swedish military sought a cutlass of a more practical shape in the 19th Century. The result was the messerlike Faskinknife; an implement which -much like the messer- seemed to have doubled as a weapon and a tool for the artillery crews and engineers of the time. At least as far as I know.
It has a stout blade with a quite broad, blunt false/short edge -except for the last couple of inches (which on my specimen) seem to have been, at least somewhat sharpened. The grip is made of black-painted wood which are riveted directly to the tang and also feature a hole which one was supposed to fasten a wrist-string. The thick, S-shaped cross is made of brass.
The weapon is in overall good condition. The grip has a small crack close to the cross, and one of the arms of the cross is slightly bent sideways. The blade is less patinated than I thought it would be and features a few nicks in the edge and scratches on the flat of the blade. But that only adds charachter to the piece.
Performance wise I have not yet fully tested it. I've just recently opened the package, but still managed to pull of a few light cuts in my cramped aparment. Once it's gripped, this well balanced piece, gives me the almost irresistable urge to cut something. Which, in time, I intend to do. Just need to give the edge a once over though. The weapon feels quick, agile and lively and reminds me of a -surprise, surprise- small messer.
Total length: 23 2/10 " (59 cm)
Blade length: 17 5/10" (44cm)
Blade width at base: 2 1/10" (5.2 cm)
Blade width at widest point: 2" (5cm)
Weight: (according to my kitchen scale) roughly 1.7 lbs (810gr)
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![m1848.jpg](files/m1848_102.jpg)