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im looking for a smith that could make a custom 1860 cavalry saber, any recommendations?
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american custom swordsmiths
- Thread starter oolong dao
- Start date
horseclover
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Welcome aboard
Custom or customized in what way? The US federal contracted light cavalry sword you are thinking of would be much more expensive as a custom maker's effort than buying a very crisp original. Armart (Czech shop) used to list them as something they would do for about what a nice original will run but that just makes it a reproduction/recreation, not a custom per se.
As an aside and I don't just mean to be pedantic, there was no m1860, just a light cavalry request to Ames for an amendment of the US m1840. You will not find the term 1860 cavalry sword in any US ordnace regulation. The first delivery of the lighter Ames sword was in 1858. This general form, of course, based on the French mle 1822 cavalry officers sword. The mle 1822 trooper sword is still manufactured and a regulation sword still worn in France. Other US makers and exporters to the US ramped up production of the lighter sword once the war had begun (not in 1860).
Yes, I know even seasoned collectors call them the 1860 but they are simply and stubbornly incorrect.
Cheers
GC
What are your plans for one? Use or just collecting/bragging rights?
Custom or customized in what way? The US federal contracted light cavalry sword you are thinking of would be much more expensive as a custom maker's effort than buying a very crisp original. Armart (Czech shop) used to list them as something they would do for about what a nice original will run but that just makes it a reproduction/recreation, not a custom per se.
As an aside and I don't just mean to be pedantic, there was no m1860, just a light cavalry request to Ames for an amendment of the US m1840. You will not find the term 1860 cavalry sword in any US ordnace regulation. The first delivery of the lighter Ames sword was in 1858. This general form, of course, based on the French mle 1822 cavalry officers sword. The mle 1822 trooper sword is still manufactured and a regulation sword still worn in France. Other US makers and exporters to the US ramped up production of the lighter sword once the war had begun (not in 1860).
Yes, I know even seasoned collectors call them the 1860 but they are simply and stubbornly incorrect.
Cheers
GC
What are your plans for one? Use or just collecting/bragging rights?
Last edited:
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- Jan 21, 2014
- Messages
- 71
i'd like a damascus blade
My plans are to practice with it to use, like bamboo mats.
My plans are to practice with it to use, like bamboo mats.
horseclover
Basic Member
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- Nov 21, 2000
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- 4,460
Peter Swarz-Burt and Matthew Parkinson @ http://www.dragonsbreathforge.com/matt.html
They have done some historical sabres and cutlasses. They also work with folded/patterned steel.
Kevin Cashen @ http://www.cashenblades.com/
One never knows but he has done some simpler early modern hilts. I have no idea of his waiting list but figure years if he were even interested.
The problem with any doing these is casting the branched guards. One could certainly obtain an original or reproduction hilt and go from there (iirc, Dixie Gun Works sells just the guards).
I am trying to be gentle in bringing up sticker shock when looking at such a commission but my thoughts in the first post will hold true. More so that you want a "damascus" blade. The thousands you will spend on a true custom (not using generic reproduction hilts) could get you a handful of plain originals in fine shape and fully capable of being used.
Cheers
GC
They have done some historical sabres and cutlasses. They also work with folded/patterned steel.
Kevin Cashen @ http://www.cashenblades.com/
One never knows but he has done some simpler early modern hilts. I have no idea of his waiting list but figure years if he were even interested.
The problem with any doing these is casting the branched guards. One could certainly obtain an original or reproduction hilt and go from there (iirc, Dixie Gun Works sells just the guards).
I am trying to be gentle in bringing up sticker shock when looking at such a commission but my thoughts in the first post will hold true. More so that you want a "damascus" blade. The thousands you will spend on a true custom (not using generic reproduction hilts) could get you a handful of plain originals in fine shape and fully capable of being used.
Cheers
GC
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- Jan 21, 2014
- Messages
- 71
i just have a problem supporting cold steel and their lack of american job creation as a person looking into learning how to work metal.
horseclover
Basic Member
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- Nov 21, 2000
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What has this got to do with sourcing custom work of any kind, aside from a possible source for parts? I will point out once again that period swords in great condition are still plentiful and not terribly expensive. Less cost than many pay for toys and tools.
What was the question?
GC