Ambidextrous, long straight blade, strong for defense, built for thrusting as well as slashing, allows full extension? Yeah, retiring generals and stuffed-shirt cabinet ministers would HAVE to meddle with that.

That is a butcher´s tool Sharpe, not a sword for gentleman. I am not a gentleman.

i think it being heavy and difficult to wear but with those advantages for combat are along the lines of a quote from india "recoil is insignificent when ther is a tiger on the head of your elephant"

Definitely one of my favorite hilt designs. It's like they took everything I don't really like about a baskethilt and fixed it.

The majority of Le Marchant’s criticism concerning both the 88 patterns was training, stories of troopers cutting off the ears of their mounts or splitting their own feet through ineptitude not the patterns themselves, although I think he also felt them too long for the melee. It’s no accident that the 96 LC came with a manual. Interestingly he may also have thought the 88 HC too labour intensive too given the 96LC was co designed by Osborn to be constructed simply and of few parts as possible for mass manufacture.

It's a thing of beauty, that is! Backedge for blocking, into twoedge for thrusting, length for slicing, optimized hilt for protection and movement, symmetrical and beautiful!? Somebody found the minmaxing motherlode!

I’m a fan of basket-hilted back swords, and I just fell in love with that sword…now I have to find one!

For anyone else who has been frustrated trying to figure out just exactly what the name of the company making the HEMA sword recreations he occasionally mentions, as in this video, it's "Kvetun".

New favourite sword. Hopefully someone makes a replica of this.

Cavalry was all about the fashion... Like old joke, what is the purpose of the Cavalry? "To bring tone to what would otherwise be merely a an ugly brawl..."

18th century Spanish cavalry swords had a very antiquated looking almost cup-hilt (a little more stylized towards the knucklebow, halfway between a fully round cup and a bowl hilt, called "barquilla" or little boat in Spanish) with two long-ish quilons (not rapier long but still long). They used it up to and into the Napoleonic Wars. Out of fashion but rather protective.

That is a beautiful blade. And has a great deal of functionality in it without sacrificing mobility.

Captain Jack Aubrey, from the Patrick Obrien novels uses a straight edged heavy cavalry sword during his many boarding actions. Is this the one the author was referring to?

I think a lot of the love for the 1796 comes from the Sharpe series, I would prefer a sword shaped like the 1788 as well, it seems like a good balance of pros and cons

According to the Royal Armouries Website "The Pattern 1796 Heavy Cavalry sword was adopted due to the failings of its predecessor, the 1788 pattern sword. This first sword was found by a Board of Cavalry General Officers “from long and repeated experience”, to be “unmanageable, owing to the length of the blade and the weight of the hilt”." Although they point out the 1796 had to be ground down to make it suitable for thrusting, as you said.

This sword strikes me as quite similar to George Silver's short sword. Silver specified a 37-40in blade suitable for both cut & thrust with a basket hilt that allows holding it in something like a sabre grip. He recommend this thumb-up grip for his variable fight, especially when facing the long rapier. You can find a number of 16th-century British basket hilts with long, narrow blades that seem to match Silver's description. I'm pleased to see this basic weapon design continued into the 18th century.

This sword feels like it stands out as special. It also can fit nicely what we like about swords in the modern day, so in that sense it could be the perfect sword for some people. I'd say there are probably many "perfect swords" that hit sweet spots on all their trade offs in ways that go together to perform beautifully at their purpose, and this is one of them. I want to elaborate on that. The ideas are only partially developed, but I hope to inspire some thought. Maybe instead of the saying "the perfect sword" we should say "a perfect sword". Maybe instead of trying to find "the best sword" we should try to come up with a list of "perfect swords". Not types of swords like saber or long sword, but specific models, like the 1887 Austrian heavy calvary sword (or whatever this one was) or the Albion Principe (not to say that is a perfect sword, but just what came to mind as a modern example). There can be multiple sweet spots when making a particular trade off, which one is best depends on what goes best with the other trade offs chosen and the intended application. For example, a wider blade is beneficial for cutting but on the sword in the video it would be too heavy. Maybe a sword is good as its type, for example "a perfect rapier". Maybe a sword is good for particular uses/settings. A basket hilted broadsword is good at giving full hand protection at the cost of hand movement, but it's supposed to do that, that's just it's type and it worked well in that particular application. However the sword in the video had a basket hilt that sacrificed a little bit a protection to allow full hand movement, and that seems overall better somehow. I think what's special about this sword is our preferences in the modern day. We have access to just about all the types of swords in history and they're used for recreational purposes, not actual combat with the intent to harm. I most often see one on one unarmored combat, no shields, try to get a proper strike to your opponent. I think that's what a rapier is for, but I guess we see other swords in use and all the ways to cut and it looks more exciting and we want to do that too. There are things I've noticed in modern sword use and preference that match up with all the design details of the sword in the video, as if the sword was designed for our use in the modern day. I think it resonates with us in that way and that is why it feels special, and could for us be the perfect sword.

i LOVE to see how enthusiastic Matt is about this sword. Relatable.

I wasn't convinced until you dispensed with the sheath, damn that's an interesting (and cool) blade

As a person taller than 190cm, the 38 inch blade is a blessing

That might be the most beautiful sword I have ever seen

As an anatomy buff, I really like how much the guard reminds me of a (better) ribcage. It even has the same compromises built into it allowing for movement below the protected area while covering those areas when they are bent forward. The only difference is that this design can allow for the "sternum" to reach all the way down because there's no spinal cord to worry about, and the wrist is almost perpendicular to the "waist" which makes it so much more mobile at the cost of not supporting as much of the weight of the guard/ribcage.

The guard looks like a ribcage so now I just want a goth version witha skull-shaped pommel...

Thank you for your detailed explanation.

Another excellent video. Thanks, man.

Great video. Love the enthusiasm. Very nice sword.

Love this video. Thank you.

That ribcage shaped guard reminds me of the 1650s 'mortuary sword'.

Fascinating! Thank you very much for this vid.

Love sabers. As a colonial (ha) and an Anglophile (one of British/Welsh/Norman descent) I feel an almost genetic connection to these swords. I have a cheap Scottish Basket hilt Broad Sword replica and a cheap Claymore replica as well. I want at the least a good replica of a 18th century British Saber as well. Love your reviews and your older sword drills of practice videos. the circles and wrist ones I just watched them and began practicing them with a cold steel cutlass machete. This is GORGEOUS! I love the blade and the hilt. I concur they were doing progress based on fashion rather than effectiveness. As a former US army MP who went through the changeover from the .45 caliber 1911 to the Berretta M9 9mm in 1990 we felt the same way about that changeover. Funny thing the Marines STILL used the 1911 throughout our own Afghan debacle. Guess they did not like fashion! Oh and I know about the British difficulties in Afghanistan because according to Sir Conan Doyle that is where Dr. Watson served and as a 12 year old I wanted to know about the backstory and learned of Maiwand and that campaign through my research.

Matt! This is nothing less than a simplified Schiavona. The hilt may look different- but as you can imagine neither gets in the way. The sole drawback I've found with my Schiavona however, is the weight and conparatively short blade (the total length only being 102cm, usable blade 82-84cm). Though, there are later (19th century) Mexican examples with a narrower blade, more towards the one you've got here. And those, I'd imagine, are the neigh-on-perfect balance. Though you'd have to compare them personally if you'd want to make any definite statement for your personal preference.

Thanks for sharing!

What a wonderful weapon Matt! There's just one terrible thing about this though, NOW I want one so badly. A original or replica would be wonderful. My only thought about the weight is that unless a sword is absurdly heavy knowing how centrifugal force works on a pendulum to generate a good amount of inertia as you demonstrated can more than make up for the weight. "Let the weight do the work."

Excellent review.

Perfect to the eye of the beholder. Xanathar quite looking at me like that. It also dipands on your idea of perfect.

My favourite sword is British 1821 Light Cavalry saber which you Matt Easton introduced me to through your videos

The '96 palash is a real mistery. Specially when considering it came to replace *this* sword shown here. The matter shows that higher-ups being dislodged from the reality of the front lines, well, is definitely not something exclusive to these days' military gear decisions. Great video!

Beautiful piece!

Wow....it's beautiful and functional! Thank you for the lesson, cheers!

nice one schola G, that is a real big one

Thanks for covering the 1788 hc. I love the 88 series and was excited to see you cover it. The 88, both lc and hc, have been somewhat in the shadows of the 96s undeservedly I believe. In fact one of my favorite hussar style sabers is a German import 88 light cavalry, not much hand protection but the stirup hilt sure looks clean.

Also thanks again for sharing your excellent video and classic cool sword. 😎

Wow it's beautiful, I want one now!

No wonder Sharpe preferred to make his 1796 Heavy more like the 1988 one! The handguard on the 1788 would be very difficult to modify for infantry use, though, I think.

I'd be blessed to have one!

I'm so glad I saw this video. That is such a badass sword. I want one.

I just bought a reproduction of Charles III sword made in Toledo, Spain. He died in 1788. I'm glad you like this blade as well. I was able to pick it up for very cheap. It apparently has a 34 inch blade but looks exactly the same as this

One of the nicest swords I've ever seen.

A real beauty! The guard remind me early type of “mortuary sword”

The sword famously derided by John Le Marchant: "A wide, long, and heavy blade, mounted with a cumbrous fantastic handle... The blades were so brittle, that they often were broken by the slightest blow ... they were too heavy for even the strongest men to wield. It frequently turned in the hand, and inflicted a contusion rather than a wound." These were the swords which Le Marchant was informed by the army surgeons (Flanders Campaign 1793-'95) caused wounds to the men wielding them. They have completely round-section grips, which accounts for the lack of edge alignment referred to in the quote.

That is one of the most beautiful tools I have ever seen.

I didn’t know I wanted this sword until now…

Great video

Outstanding review!

That's amazing. You can even SEE the heavy momentum it has, and yet there you are swinging it with the ease of a parade baton!

I bow to your expertise. Your postulation works for me.

Any word on where to get the closest thing to a decent replica?

It looks beautiful

Absolutely beautiful sword, I would love to own one

What a beautiful saber.

Beautiful weapon!

Beautiful sword. I would love to have one.

It looks cool !

It's a lovely sword! I always think "how much more hand protection could you put on it if you replaced all the steel on the hilt with titanium?". This design might be the perfect specimen for that experiment. It's likely that all the gaps in the guard could be closed.

Good video. Thumbs up. I appreciate this channel. A sword is a tool. Depending on the situation, tool optimization may differ. Here is the USA, where we have a history of Citizen Ownership of firearms, we have similar discussions regarding responsible and effective use of firearms . . . especially handguns for conceal carry. As a former Sabre fencer I understand why Foil, Epee and Sabre fencing all use different swords for good reasons. Good Man. Please keep producing & sharing.

What a really cool sword! I like it a lot!

You are totally right!!!

Cavalry swords were longer because they could be. On a horse the scabbard hung low enough to draw a long sword. My dad was a Captain in the 1/15th Royal NSW Lancers. I remember some of the short blokes having trouble clearing the scabbard on parades. I am talking about 1960's. BTW I got into a bit of trouble when I went berko on the garden plants with dads sword.

You should do an in-depth analysis and showcase of a British Light Cavalry 1788 model, I was so close to buying one once...

I'd love an 1845 infantry officer's blade and and 1895 hilt. But this is absolutely a nice hilt

Spot on, that's a beast of a sword.

Basically the style of cut n thrust I've been looking for for years. Well thanks! Now I know a better search term :)

I need that for my collection most definitely that sword is beautiful 🤩 ⚔️🗡️

beautiful sword wherever you look!

Absolutely gorgeous. 💯

That's a nice looking sword!

I love how it looks I think it's an amazing sword.

Yes I agree. This is the kind of sword I've been looking for, not sure exactly what to call it. But I've always thought it would be hard to beat something with a decent handguard. Then the single edge to double edge blade also seems ideal. I really like the hilt design.

Military acquisition often has other considerations to make. Ease of production or basic cheapness being pretty high on that list. I am guessing the newer sword was cheaper to acquire for starters. Cheers for the upload Matt.

Honestly, it looks much like what I think George Patton was going for when he designed the US Model 1913 Cavalry Sabre, though the blade's a good bit longer. Thanks for sharing!

Matt, could you please make one about forwardly recurved swords or weapons? They're fascinating and I wonder about their functions; pros and cons..

Great info, as always, but the highlight of the video for me is Matt describing “a buttload of hand protection.”

Honestly, I want this sword for greeting uninvited guests with. It seems just so lively for such a long sword.

I hope Windlass comes out with a replica soon.

I agree SG. Totally !!

guys check out that article he linked in the description. its SUPER good!

Beautiful sword and I’d b proud to carry one of I rode with heavy cavalry.

This is the Sword that Bernard Cornwell's character Sharpe carries I think

It’s AK 47 of the swords. ⚔️

First of, thank you for your great content, I'm really enjoying it. As an Idea for a future Video: to which extend would Armor made from Wood (Hardwood, Ironwood,...) be viable, if steel armor would be not available or too expensive for some reason?

This may not be a popular opinion on this channel, but I think determining if a weapon is the best sword or not is going to depend heavily on context.

It’s definitely a beautiful sword, and I don’t understand why they would want to change it

Pretty sure this is John Carter's sword on Barsoom.

Yes, it definitely looks a ver. 2.0 of the Mortuary swords, and I always liked the lines of those, if not the typical balance and handling

Beautiful sword

You're right, Matt: it's an extremely effective design, and it should never have been replaced.

Dude I love how much you love martial arts especially medevil times all are awesome if teaching self decipline

I think this might also be the sword Richard Sharpe is equipped with in the various Sharpe novels..

I saw the guard, I thought, "Yep, that is a pretty damn well designed guard." I saw the blade come out... my jaw dropped. To be fair, it is bigger than what my personal tastes run to, but DAMN!!!

I want one... it's already the exact same same size as my sidesword, so it would probably feel pretty familiar!