Denix 4127 Briquet Saber

French briquet saber from the Napoleonic era, 19th century

The saber is also a curved, single-edged sword, designed for cutting, commonly used by cavalry and officers in the 19th and even 20th centuries. This curved blade traditionally distinguishes the saber from the sword.

This bladed weapon is designed for slashing and arose from the need for speed in combat. This speed is achieved by cutting and not leaving the blade embedded in the opponent's body (unlike most one-handed swords, which are thrusting swords).

French naval boarding saber. The curve, which is generally located from the tip to the middle of the saber, creates a deep cut.

The saber's curve is intended, in theory, to allow a mounted soldier, when swinging the weapon, to trace a wide circle over the infantryman, ensuring that the saber is always tangent at the point of impact. For this reason, it doesn't pierce, it cuts, thus increasing the wound without becoming embedded. This is why sabers designed for cavalry have a pronounced curve, almost circular. Those designed for infantry have a lesser curve, as the defensive function is paramount: keeping the enemy at bay and parrying their blows.