British Army Handkerchief Cutter/Lead Cutter Swords

LEAD CUTTING SWORDS were introduced into the British Army on a formal basis in 1870, with the Sword, Lead-Cutting, No.1 Pattern.  Its purpose was to train a swordsman in the most efficient use of his sword with regard to cutting techniques and to ultimately strengthen his sword arm.  It was found in a series of different sizes or weights, from 1 to 4.  The weight of the No.4 sword was nearly 4lbs and surviving examples are impressively heavy.  These were initially produced by Wilkinson Sword before its formal introduction and later officially adopted by the British Army.  The hilt is of cutlass type (based on the 1845/58 Pattern Naval Cutlass) with iron grips, sometimes wrapped in leather.

The method of using these swords comprised the striking against one edge (1 inch wide) of a triangular lead bar around 12 inches long.  As the swordsman became more proficient and his sword arm stronger, the width of the bar was increased to a maximum of 1.5 inches. It was recommended that after experience with the lead bar, the soldier should practice cutting a sheep’s carcass or a leg of lamb.

Another interesting and somewhat eccentric practice sword of the 19th Century was the “Handkerchief Cutter”.  Its purpose was to test the agility of the swordsman by tossing a handkerchief in the air and slicing it in two.

© Harvey Withers Military Publishing, 2024

Taken from The British Sword – From 1600 to the Present Day – An Illustrated History by Harvey J S Withers – 12,000 full colour photographs – 884 pages

For more details please click on the images.