Saber - Definition and Overview

For other uses, see Sabre (disambiguation).

The sabre (or saber) is a European backsword with a distinct curvature and a rather large hand guard, covering the knuckles of the hand as well as the thumb and forefinger. The length of sabres varied, but they were always made to be worn in a scabbard hanging from the waist.

The origins of the sabre are somewhat unclear, and it may come from designs such as the falchion or the scimitar (shamshir). Originally, the sabre was used as a cavalry weapon that gradually came to replace the various straight bladed cutting sword types on the battlefield. As time went on, sabres became insignia of rank in many armies, and dress use of sabres continues to this day in some armed services around the world.

In the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth (16-18th century) a specific type of saber-like melee weapon, the szabla, was used.

During the 19th and in the early 20th century, sabres were also used by some police forces. The sabre were later phased out in favour of the baton (or night stick) for humanitarian reasons.

A derivative of this weapon is used under this name in the Olympic sport of fencing.