Cutlasses & Boarding Knives

Sabers and boarding knives were primarily used by the military in Europe in the 18. and 19. centuries. While sabers were especially used by the cavalry, boarding knives can be attributed to the navy. Today's sabers and boarding knives are mostly replicas or reinterpretations of historical models. These not only serve as excellent decorative objects, but are also suitable for reenactments, sword fighting training, and outdoor trips.

At Meister Messer, you can find both sabers and boarding knives in numerous designs. In our online shop, you will discover European, Oriental, and American military and cavalry sabers, as well as classic naval knives and survival cutlasses.

Sabers: The typical weapon of light cavalry

A saber is a light cutting and thrusting weapon, with a curved blade that is typically sharpened on only one side. Models with a strong curve – such as the Scimitar used in the Orient – are primarily or even exclusively designed for cutting. The curved blade allowed skilled fighters to inflict much deeper wounds on opponents with light armor than with a straight blade.

Sabers are typically 70 to 100 centimeters long and have their origins in the Indo-Persian region. They first made their way to Eastern Europe through Asia and North Africa. In the early 18th century, sabers, starting from Hungarian and Croatian hussars, also found their way into Western Europe. These edged weapons were not only part of the standard equipment of light cavalry but were also used by infantrymen, as the curved blade proved advantageous in tight spaces.

What is a boarding knife?

A boarding knife (called Cutlass in English) strongly resembles a saber, which is why it is also referred to as a boarding saber. The essential feature of such a knife is its relatively long and wide blade, which may be slightly curved or straight depending on the design. Some models also have a wrap-around hand guard.

Cutlasses were used as close combat weapons by the navy from the 16th century onwards and were probably developed by the Royal Navy. The main advantage of a naval saber was that it could be used both in close combat and to defend against boarding attacks. Therefore, many nations equipped their sailors with a cutlass as standard.

Buy Sabers and Boarding Knives: How to Find the Right Model

When buying a saber or cutlass, the variables to consider depend mainly on the intended use. If the edged weapon is meant for decoration or to complete a costume, the appearance is the crucial criterion. However, if you are looking for a companion for your next survival adventure, it is important that the saber or cutlass is made of a highly durable material. High-quality models often have a blade made of high-performance carbon steel.

It is also recommended to check whether a sheath is included in the delivery. This is usually the case for the sabers and boarding knives offered in the online shop of Meister Messer. However, in retail, the edged weapons are sometimes offered without a suitable sword or knife sheath.

Order Sabers & Boarding Knives online at Meister Messer

At Meister Messer, high-quality sabers and boarding knives are available in numerous designs. For example, we offer models from Cold Steel, Condor Tool & Knife, and United Cutlery. In addition, in the Meister Messer online shop, you can also find European swords and Samurai swords.

If you decide to make a purchase through Meister Messer, you can rely not only on high-quality materials and workmanship, but also on an excellent price-performance ratio. If you want to buy a saber or add a boarding knife to your collection, don't wait any longer and explore our range today.