Cold Steel 88ECS 1908 British Cavalry Saber

What makes the ideal cavalry saber? In the charge you need a narrow, stiff blade with a sharp point to impale your enemies. In the mêlée, on an immobile horse, you need a wide, curved, semi flexible blade for cutting and slashing. The British pondered this dilemma and in 1908, settled on a saber that favored the thrust. It had a narrow 35″ long blade, a thick cross section and a sharp point. To protect the hand, wrist, and forearm, it had a superb bowl shaped guard and a grip that automatically brought the point “in line” for the perfect thrust. It was easy to carry too, as its scabbard had two rings for suspending it from the saddle or attaching it to a belt or baldric. It was issued throughout the British Empire and it is still used, with minor changes, even today.