Sabre

Sabre is a type of sword that has a curved blade associated with the light cavalry of the Early Modern and Napoleonic periods. Originally associated with Central-European cavalry such as the hussars, the sabre became widespread in Western Europe during the Thirty Years' War. Lighter sabres also became popular with infantry of the early 19th century.

History

The origins of the sabre are somewhat unclear, and it may come from a variety of Middle Eastern swords such as the scimitar. The military sabre was used as a duelling weapon in war during the 17th and 18th centuries, and as a training weapon in the 19th and 20th centuries. This type of sabre, the duelling sabre, was used to settle disputes between gentlemen.

Design

The sabre is a single-edged sword, which means it has one sharp edge. The other edge, called the back edge, is usually blunt. The blade is typically curved, and the point is aligned with the hilt. The hilt often includes a hand guard.

Use

The sabre is primarily used for cutting, but can also be used for thrusting. A typical military sabre is a one-handed weapon, although two-handed versions exist.

Modern Sabre Fencing

In modern times, the sabre is used in the sport of fencing. The rules for sabre fencing are different from those for foil fencing and épée fencing. In sabre fencing, the entire body above the waist, except the weapon hand, is a valid target.

See Also

• Swordsmanship
• Fencing
• Hussar
• Scimitar
• Dueling

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Sabre

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  Rose Contract of 1812 Cavalry Saber
• Joanovitch Paul (1859–1957) The Sword Dance, Private Collection
  Joanovitch Paul (1859–1957) The Sword Dance, Private Collection
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  Mzwdr XXXX ml 008
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  Thomas Lawrence, Charles William (Vane-)Stewart, Later 3rd Marquess of Londonderry, 1812, oil on canvas, National Portrait Gallery, London
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  Sabre mg 0644-retouched
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  French Navy sabre img 3012b
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  Marxauch Sword