"Gymnasium 1895" Sabre - Historical Reproduction

The "Gymnasium" Saber of 1895 is a meticulous reproduction of a historical model that revolutionized the practice of fencing at the end of the 19th century. Based on the British Pattern 1892 Infantry Officer's Saber, this model is attributed to Colonel George Malcolm Fox, a veteran of the Egyptian campaign and Inspector of the Aldershot Gymnasium.

Unlike the curved military sabres of the time, this model features a straight blade with an emphasis on thrusting rather than cutting. This innovative design reflects the evolution of combat and military training techniques of the era, following the experiences of British colonial campaigns.

The blade, made of 60C2A steel with a hardness of 47-50 HRC, faithfully reproduces the "I" profile in its strong part, tapering to a flat section at the tip. This design offers optimal flexibility and strength, essential for training and competitions.

The basket hilt, inspired by Italian models, offers complete hand protection, a distinctive feature compared to standard British military models. The handle, with its geometrically cut steel backplate, enhances grip and weapon control.

Weighing 750 g and with a balance point 90 mm from the guard, this saber offers exceptional maneuverability, ideal for executing the techniques described in the "New Infantry Sword Exercise" of 1895, which emphasized deep thrusts and attacks originating from the elbow.

This gymnasium saber is perfect for practitioners of Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) interested in late 19th-century military and sport fencing. It allows for the faithful recreation of Victorian-era military training techniques while providing a fascinating insight into the evolution of fencing towards its modern sporting form.