Russian Shashka Dragoon Saber – Universal Swords
Back Ordered
Price range: $146.99 through $199.99
- Shipping estimated at checkout
- Every blade inspected before shipping
- Class
- Battle Ready
- Blade
- 1060-1065 High Carbon Steel
- Overall Length
- 37''
- Weight
- 2 lb 1 oz
- Brand
- Universal Swords
- Culture
- Russian
- Era
- World Wars
Overview
Russian Shashka Dragoon Saber - Universal Swords
Most armies, leading up to and during WWII discarded cavalry for tanks. The Russians however kept an effective fighting force of cavalry regiments on the front lines in WWII. The usefulness of a fast-striking force across the vast steppes of Russia that did not require precious gasoline was not to be overlooked. This military production sword is of the Shashka form popularized by the Eurasian sabers of the legendary Cossacks. This type of sword was adopted by the Russian cavalry dragoons in 1882 and its design saw use through WWII.
This replica from Universal Swords of India features reproduced Red Army markings that would have been seen on production blades. The stamping features the Hammer and Sickle of the CCCP with a 1934 production date. Soviet state symbols are featured on the pommel and the sword is adorned with additional Cyrillic marking throughout.
The blade is of tempered carbon steel with a deep fuller. The hilt and scabbard accents are of brass and the grip is of painted carved wood. The scabbard is wood-core covered in black leather. The Shaska is typically worn edge-side up, like a katana.
Specifications
Every measurement that matters
- Brand
- Universal Swords
- Culture
- Russian
- Era
- World Wars
- Overall Length
- 37''
- Blade Length
- 32''
- Blade
- 1060-1065 High Carbon Steel
- Weight
- 2 lb 1 oz
- Edge
- Unsharpened
- P.O.B.
- 9 1/4''
- Thickness
- 6.6 mm - 5.3 mm
- Grip Length
- 3 1/2''
- Class
- Battle Ready
- Country of Origin
- India
- Type
- Saber
Reviews
What collectors are saying
Q&A
Questions from the community
Q Is this shashka sharpened? Common Question
It comes unsharpened from the maker.
Q What steel is the blade made from? Common Question
1060-1065 High Carbon Steel with a deep fuller.
Q How does it handle and balance? Common Question
It has a forward balance typical of sabers; point of balance is about 9 1/4 inches from the guard for authoritative cuts.
Q What are the overall size and weight? Common Question
Overall length about 37 inches with a 32-inch blade and a weight of approximately 2 lb 1 oz.
Q What materials are used for the hilt and scabbard? Common Question
Brass hilt furniture with a painted carved wood grip; wood-core scabbard covered in black leather with brass fittings.
Q Does it include historical Soviet markings? Common Question
Yes—reproduced Red Army markings including hammer-and-sickle with a 1934 date and additional Cyrillic markings on the blade and pommel.
Q Where is it manufactured? Common Question
Made in India by Universal Swords.
Q Is it suitable for reenactment or cutting practice? Common Question
Classed as battle ready with tempered carbon steel; suitable for collection and practice when properly sharpened and used safely.
Q What is the historical lineage of this design? Common Question
Based on the Russian dragoon shashka adopted in 1882 and used through WWII, a form associated with Cossack sabers.
Q Any care recommendations? Common Question
Keep the blade lightly oiled to prevent rust; periodically condition the leather scabbard and avoid prolonged storage in the scabbard in humid conditions.
The Maker
Universal Swords
With origins going back to 1960, India’s Universal Swords has been making reproduction swords for decades. With an emphasis on military sabers, universal produces a number of designs not found elsewhere. As the official US distributor of Universal Swords, KOA will be expanding to stock their entire line over time.
Often paired together
feels a little bit heavy at the beginning. but after 2 months practice, all good.
I’m not really a sword guy so I don’t think I could accurately rate the quality of one, but I like this thing a lot. I got this because I just recently learned that the Soviets were making, and using them all the way until the end of the war. And that is exactly the kind of historical silliness that made me need one. It feels solid enough in the hand to give me confidence it’s not going to fall apart or anything. Speaking from a point of zero experience, I feel like it would hold up just fine to real use. Markings are faithful to the originals based on the photos I have seen and I don’t think I’ll ever not have a small chuckle at the sickle and hammer insignia on a freakin’ cavalry sabre. The pictures don’t show it and it’s not in the product description but the scabbard actually does have the holder for a Mosin bayonet. The band that hold the tip of the bayonet was about in inch too low, but I loosened the screw a bit and moved it further up the scabbard so the tip of the bayonet would reach. And then I broke the screw trying to tighten it down again but that’s entirely my fault because I applied Grug force to get it extra tight.
TL;DR – Good sword, faithful to the original, feels solid. If you know someone really into old milsurp guns this would make an amazing gift.