Item:
ONJR22JWTX086

Original U.S. WWI M-1913 Flat Steel Practice Sword - Steel “Waster”

Item Description

Original Item: Only One Available. In martial arts, a waster is a practice weapon, usually a sword, and usually made out of wood, but this example is constructed out of steel. The use of wood instead of metal provides an economic option for initial weapons training and sparring, at some loss of genuine experience. A weighted waster may be used for a sort of strength training, theoretically making the movements of using an actual sword comparatively easier and quicker, though modern sports science shows that an athlete would most optimally train with an implement which is closest to the same weight, balance, and shape of the tool they will be using.

Wasters as wooden as well as steel practice weapons have been found in a variety of cultures over a number of centuries, including ancient China, Ireland, Iran, Scotland, Rome, Egypt, medieval and renaissance Europe, Japan, and into the modern era in Europe and the United States. Over the course of time, wasters took a variety of forms not necessarily influenced by chronological succession, ranging from simple sticks to clip-point dowels with leather basket hilts to careful replicas of real swords.

Historically, students and soldiers used wasters as inexpensive and expendable training tools. The cost of high quality steel weapons, especially swords, would have made them a poor choice for practice weapons. Constant training would fatigue the blade, rendering it far less effective and reliable as a weapon. To prevent the destruction of an expensive weapon and to permit the necessary training and sparring intrinsic to any martial art, wooden practice weapons were created.

This “waster” is constructed out of steel with a wood handle, to give it more of a realistic feel when training. This example would have lasted longer than the wooden ones and aided in a better training experience. The design of the basket and blade gives this sword the slight appearance of the Model 1913 Cavalry “Patton” Saber.

This example shows signs of use, but has not been significantly damaged. There is scratching and minor nicks to the “edge”, but that is common with training swords. The wood handle is intact and free of any damage. The leather blade buffer is still present at the base of the sword. As with most training weapons, this example is unmarked.

Comes more than ready for further research and display!

Approximate Dimensions:
Blade Length: 24 1/2”
Blade Style: Single Edged Curved Blunt with Wide Fuller
Overall length: 30 3/4“
Basket dimensions: 7" width x 51/2” length

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