sabers

Sabre (or saber) is a type of backsword with a curved, single-edged blade designed primarily for cutting from horseback. The blade is usually long and flexible, often 70 to 100 cm, and the hilt is equipped with a guard to protect the hand. The curved profile enables powerful slashes, while the single edge reduces weight and enables rapid drawing cuts.

Historically, sabres appeared in early modern Europe and became common in cavalry forces during the 18th and 19th centuries. They were adopted and adapted across many nations, giving rise to a variety of regional forms, such as the Polish szabla, the French sabre, and the Russian shashka, as well as Asian variants like the Persian shamshir, Turkish kilij, and Indian talwar. The design favored mounted combat, but it also influenced infantry swords and ceremonial blades.

Today, the term survives in two main contexts. In military and ceremonial use, sabres remain symbolic weapons. In sport, fencing sabre is one of the three competitive weapons, distinguished by its emphasis on fast cutting and thrusting above the waist and by scoring that includes edges and the tip. Modern sabres are typically made of steel with ergonomic grips and protective guards.