Russian Cossack Shashka

Description of the Product

The Cossacks were a population of fierce horsemen of the southern Russian steppe, militarily oriented and united more by their way of life rather than ethnicity. In the highly volatile geographic area they were a force to be reckoned with. The Cossacks have stirred the imaginations of romantics for centuries as they have been seen embodying an idealized strife for freedom and a resistance to authority.

The Shashka had developed in the Caucasus during the 12th and 13th centuries, and was later adopted by the Cossacks. As the Russian state became more powerful the Cossacks were sometimes in favor with the tsars, and persecuted at others times. By the 19th century the shashka was, however, a common weapon in the Russian army, and was still used by the Soviet army during World War II.

The Shasqua was first known as a Cossack weapon used on horseback and then became the official officers sword of the Soviet Union. This sword is replica of the Soviet army officer sword that was still used during the WWII.

Our cossack shaska saber is a replica of this horseman's saber with a forward drop that is designed to deliver effective cuts and swings from a horse's back. The slightly curved single-edged blade made of carbon steel has a wide, flat fuller that runs about 4/5 of its length. It has a short ricasso. The short grip made of red brown, carved wood is framed in brass and surrounds the riveted full tang. The brass pommel has the typical shape of an eagle head. It has embossed decoration, including the Soviet hammer and sickle and text CCCP. The hole can be used to attach a wrist strap if desired.

This cossack shashka saber comes with a wooden scabbard covered in black leather with a brass throat and chape.

• Comes with scabbard
• Total length 95.5 cm (37.6”)
• Blade length 81 cm (31.9”)
• Blade thickness 6 mm (1/4”)
• Blade width 3.2 cm (1.3”)
• Grip length: 7.5 cm (3”)
• Weight: 1.1 kg (2.4 lbs)
• Sharpness: Unsharpened
• Material: 1035 Carbon Steel
• Made by Windlass Steelcrafts