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- Aug 4, 2013
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The true US 1917 Naval Cutlass was based on the Dutch Klewang sword, but Cold Steel's 1917 Naval Cutlass is almost a dead ringer to the Klewang, not the 1917 Naval Cutlass. It may have been an error on Cold Steel's part when they first introduced this sword, but now that time has passed and the sword is not very 1917 Naval Cutlass like, but rather VERY Klewang sword like... Why not rename this sword to more accurately describe it? The Cold Steel website continues to describe their 1917 Cutlass as being a pretty close copy of the US 1917 Naval sword, and that is simply not factual. I would think that renaming it in the pursuit of being more accurate in it's description, would be something CS would want to do. A simple Google search on the Klewang and on the genuine US Naval 1917 Cutlass' and their scabbards, will show that Cold Steel's offering is a repro of a Klewang (and a very decent one at that) ☺
The following is Cold Steel's description of their sword:
In 1917, the U.S. Navy decided to replace its Model 1860 cutlass which had been in continuous service for 57 years, with a new model. Cold Steel's® modern recreation of this classic fighting sword is as authentic as possible, it is virtually an exact copy of an original in the personal collection of Cold Steel President, Lynn C. Thompson. Our 1917 Cutlass features the signature 25" curved blade and a half basket guard thats stamped out of heavy 18-gauge high carbon steel, and both the blade and guard are blued to resist rusting. The handle is made from carefully shaped hardwood, painted brown and secured to the tang by three heavy brass cutler's rivets.
The scabbard is an accurate reproduction of the original and is made of high quality leather and features brass and copper fixtures. It can be worn comfortably at the side on a pistol belt without chafing its owner.
Pics of cold Steel's 1917 Naval Cutlass'
A Klewang sword
Here is a CS 1917 Cutlass (top) and Milsco Klewang (US made) bottom
Genuine US 1917 Naval Cutlass
The other thing CS could do, is to simply start making this sword with a solid guard, handle scales more closely styled like the original, and a scabbard that more closely resembles the original. The same blade would still be close in resemblance, since the 1917 was modeled after the Klewang anyway.
The following is Cold Steel's description of their sword:
In 1917, the U.S. Navy decided to replace its Model 1860 cutlass which had been in continuous service for 57 years, with a new model. Cold Steel's® modern recreation of this classic fighting sword is as authentic as possible, it is virtually an exact copy of an original in the personal collection of Cold Steel President, Lynn C. Thompson. Our 1917 Cutlass features the signature 25" curved blade and a half basket guard thats stamped out of heavy 18-gauge high carbon steel, and both the blade and guard are blued to resist rusting. The handle is made from carefully shaped hardwood, painted brown and secured to the tang by three heavy brass cutler's rivets.
The scabbard is an accurate reproduction of the original and is made of high quality leather and features brass and copper fixtures. It can be worn comfortably at the side on a pistol belt without chafing its owner.
Pics of cold Steel's 1917 Naval Cutlass'
A Klewang sword
Here is a CS 1917 Cutlass (top) and Milsco Klewang (US made) bottom
Genuine US 1917 Naval Cutlass
The other thing CS could do, is to simply start making this sword with a solid guard, handle scales more closely styled like the original, and a scabbard that more closely resembles the original. The same blade would still be close in resemblance, since the 1917 was modeled after the Klewang anyway.
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