The Universal Swords Napoleonic Imperial Guard Infantry Briquet has a tempered blade of 1055 high carbon steel. The blade is stamped with replicated inspection marks and etched on the spine with the manufacturing signature of the Klingenthal sword factory. The hilt is brass and the knuckle-guard is stamped with recreated production and inspection markings. The grip is wrapped in black leather and bound with twisted brass wire.
The scabbard is of thick leather and finished with brass fittings.
The elite infantry Grenadiers of Napoleons Grande Arm were issued short, stout sabers to bear in both parade and battle. Though fully functional, these sabers lacked the reach afforded by a bayonet or saber and thus were rarely chosen for melee over the bayonet when the time came. Many of these swords instead found use as a large camp knife, though their primary use truly was in dignifying the Grenadiers from standard infantry by allowing them to wear sabers en-masse – the mark of elite warriors of the period.
The version replicated here by Universal Swords is an even more embellished version of the infantry briquet; this finer example were issued to the Grenadiers of the Imperial Guard – essentially the elite of the elite. These were crafted with finer fittings, a leather-and-wire bound grip and a substantially longer and notably more practical blade than the shorter, standard Briquets of normal Grenadiers.
The wide blade of the Imperial Guard Grenadier version of the Briquet was well-capable of bringing decisive chops and hacks unto the foe. Whilst the knuckle-guard serves to protect the hand, it serves admirably as an integrated knuckle-duster in the melee when the opportunity presents itself.
Newarcher (verified owner) –
This is a great sword for under $200. I had KOA sharpen it and they did a great job. Fit and finish very good on mine, there are gaps between the hilt and the tang as with most swords, I fill mine with jb weld epoxy for metal to keep things from coming loose I case I do desire to wack something. but everything is tight, very nice. The blade is a little front heavy so most people will wrap their index finger around the recasso for better control. It is a real sword usable in places where room is limited . The grip could be larger but it was copied from an original and therefore the smaller matching grip, this an excellent under $200 sword. The scabbard is very nice, stitching and seams very straight and tight. The blade is a good cutter, chopper and thruster, has some flex but is pretty stiff. I really do like this sword, one of my favorites.
Newarcher (verified owner) –
This is a great sword for under $200. I had KOA sharpen it and they did a great job. Fit and finish very good on mine, there are gaps between the hilt and the tang as with most swords, I fill mine with jb weld epoxy for metal to keep things from coming loose I case I do desire to wack something. but everything is tight, very nice. The blade is a little front heavy so most people will wrap their index finger around the recasso for better control. It is a real sword usable in places where room is limited . The grip could be larger but it was copied from an original and therefore the smaller matching grip, this an excellent sword. The scabbard is very nice, stitching and seams very straight and tight. The blade is a good cutter, chopper and thruster, has some flex but is pretty stiff. I really do like this sword, one of my favorites.
The Oblate –
This is a sturdy sword offered at a great value. It does have weight, but is similar to a cutlass in that aspect.
After receiving this as a gift I was very impressed especially since it is a product out of India. My friend had KOA sharpen it.
I purchased the European Baldric, and have been using this sword for my personal carry.
Definatly recommended, looks good, feels good, fights good.