The cavalry saber is a historic blade that has been in use since the 15th century. As you likely can guess from the name, the sword was commonly used by cavalrymen for slashing enemies while riding a horse. Because of its practicality, it remained in vogue until guns began to outclass swords on the battlefield.
While true cavalry sabers from the 1800s are hard to get a hold of today, not to mention expensive, you can still own a piece of history with one of these cavalry saber replicas.
However, keep in mind that a replica isn’t the same thing as a battle-ready weapon when it comes to swords. Generally speaking, replicas are only meant for decor, re-enactments, or cosplay. Unlike battle-ready swords, they can’t be used for sparring or for striking objects. While a few of the swords on this list are battle-ready, the rest aren’t, so try not to get too enthusiastic about swinging a newly bought replica at a tree.
TOP CHOICES
Best Value
SZCO Supplies 1860 Cavalry Sword
- Carbon steel blade.
- Black faux leather-wrapped handle.
- Brass handle and pommel.
- Scabbard included.
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Best Battle-Ready Sword
Cold Steel 1815 French Officer's Saber
- Incredibly realistic blade shape.
- Includes a scabbard with the same design found on the sword.
- A true battle-ready sword made for fighting.
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Best Overall
Cold Steel 88HCS Saber, 1860 Heavy Cavalry
- Made of high-quality 1055 carbon steel.
- A battle-ready sword fit for a duel.
- Includes a scabbard.
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1SZCO Supplies Cavalry Saber
If you’re a military history enthusiast, you’re going to love this replica of an 1840 cavalry saber.
The original Model 1840 Cavalry Saber had a heavy flat-backed blade that made it great for slashing enemy soldiers, but not so great on the hands which is how it got the nickname “Old Wristbreaker.”
You won’t have to worry about spraining your wrist while swinging around this replica from SZCO Supplies. It only weighs 3.7 pounds and has a 40-inch unsharpened blade.
PROS
- Made of solid carbon steel.
- Faux leather handle.
- Comes with a silver scabbard.
- Brass crossguard and pommel.
CONS
- Doesn't come with a sword strap.
2SZCO Supplies 1860 Cavalry Sword
BEST VALUE
It’s hard to tell this replica apart from the previous one with just a glance, but if you look closely, you’ll notice that the SZCO Supplies 1860 Cavalry Sword has a length of brass connecting the pommel to the crossguard.
If you could compare the 1860 model with the 1840 one, you’ll also notice how much lighter it is because of previous complaints from cavalrymen about the weight of the 1840 model.
That said, the 1860 cavalry saber replica is still the same length as the 1840 replica. It also has the same faux leather handle and stylized brass cross guard that covers the entirety of a wielder’s hand.
PROS
- Carbon steel blade.
- Black faux leather-wrapped handle.
- Brass cross guard and pommel.
- Scabbard included.
CONS
- Doesn't come with a sword strap.
3THE MEDIEVALS Cavalry Officer's Civil War
This cavalry saber replica isn’t a copy of any particular sword, but it keeps the classic appearance of most other replicas.
The sword takes cues from the design of the 1840s and 1860s replicas with regard to the handle and crossguard. However, the blade is thicker and heavier-looking than true replicas. Not to mention, its blade isn’t stressed to look like that of a forged sword.
What it does have over other replicas, though, is that you can use it to open champagne bottles the old-fashioned way.
PROS
- Hilt has a detailed floral design.
- Padded faux leather handle.
- Nickel plated steel blade.
CONS
- Not a faithful replica of a specific sword.
4Cold Steel 1815 French Officer's Saber
Best Battle-Ready Sword
The Cold Steel 1815 French Officer’s Saber is modeled after the cavalry sabers used by Napoleon’s army around the late 1700s and early 1800s.
The sword features a thin, curved blade and a brass crossguard that bears a resemblance to French rapiers.
Its heavily decorated crossguard, pommel, and handle easily make it the most finely crafted cavalry saber on this list. Add to that the pattern on the lower half of the 38-inch blade and you have a perfect addition to any sword collection.
If that still doesn’t get you excited about this blade, then what might is knowing this sword is battle-ready.
PROS
- Incredibly realistic blade shape.
- Includes a scabbard with the same design found on the sword.
- Made from 1055 carbon steel.
- A true battle-ready sword made for fighting.
CONS
- Shorter than other sabers on this list.
5Cold Steel 88HCS Saber, 1860 Heavy Cavalry
Best Overall
If you don’t want another 1860 cavalry saber replica and are looking for the real thing (short of having one of the actual Civil War-era sabers), the Cold Steel 88HCS Saber, 1860 Heavy Cavalry sword is the battle-ready blade you’re looking for.
While it doesn’t have as many decorative elements as the Cold Steel 1815 French Officer’s Saber, it’s a faithful reproduction that’s no less impressive whether it’s hanging from your wall or your hip.
PROS
- Made of high-quality 1055 carbon steel.
- A battle-ready sword fit for a duel.
- Includes a scabbard.
CONS
- Doesn't come with a strap for wearing.
