I know a young man who is going to be an Air Force officer next April and I am thinking about getting him a sword. (Actually there will be a few of us going together if we do this.) So I have a few questions.

 

1) What is the correct current version of the Air Force Officer Sword?

2) When did the above correct current sword become authorized?

3) Can his name be engraved on the sword?

4) Is there a chart for height and inseam for sword length for the U.S.A.F.?

 

I would like to get the correct belt and knot also.

 

It's not Marine so I'm at a loss. I just want to make sure we get him good quality stuff.

 

Bill

Marlow White has a great page for all the details on USAF swords:

 

http://www.militarysabers.com/air-force-sword.html

I've seen a couple of these over the years, but they aren't that common. I was trying to figure out when a USAF officer would wear one...glad I checked Marlow White doesn't know either!

 

Dave

I've seen a couple of these over the years, but they aren't that common. I was trying to figure out when a USAF officer would wear one...glad I checked Marlow White doesn't know either!

 

That is strange: http://www.militarysabers.com/military-swo...force-wear.html

I've seen a couple of these over the years, but they aren't that common. I was trying to figure out when a USAF officer would wear one...glad I checked Marlow White doesn't know either!

 

Dave

 

I'm still trying to figure out if he needs an Army Officer's sword or Air Force? Who knew that there would be such a question.

 

Bill

Supposedly, they wear the M1902 Army Officer's Saber. Marlow White recommends caution for Air Force officers using a M1902 because there isn't a regulation reference...which works both ways, as there is no reference for the Air Force sword they're trying to sell, either...

 

Here's a thread with an Air Force officer and (inactive) member of this board using a M1902 (post #10)...he might be worth a PM or email.

http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/ind...showtopic=33740

In 20 years of active duty in the Air Force (and 20+ years retired), I have never seen any provision in any regulation for the wear of a sword. They are used at the Air Force Academy by cadet officers and the Air Force Honor Guard commander carries one (some lower-level Honor Guards as well). I'm sure there are a number of sellers who want you to believe that a requirement exists, but it doesn't. An Air Force sword would be a wall-hanger, not a uniform part.

In 20 years of active duty in the Air Force (and 20+ years retired), I have never seen any provision in any regulation for the wear of a sword. They are used at the Air Force Academy by cadet officers and the Air Force Honor Guard commander carries one (some lower-level Honor Guards as well). I'm sure there are a number of sellers who want you to believe that a requirement exists, but it doesn't. An Air Force sword would be a wall-hanger, not a uniform part.

^ Gospel truth

Saber and sword

The straight sword shown above is an Air Force Academy sword. It is not worn after graduation. The M1902 Army Officer saber is worn by "all officers" including Air Force but only for specific functions such as Honor Guard.

 

I would find him a more useful gift than a sword that he will not wear.

In 20 years of active duty in the Air Force (and 20+ years retired), I have never seen any provision in any regulation for the wear of a sword. They are used at the Air Force Academy by cadet officers and the Air Force Honor Guard commander carries one (some lower-level Honor Guards as well). I'm sure there are a number of sellers who want you to believe that a requirement exists, but it doesn't. An Air Force sword would be a wall-hanger, not a uniform part.

 

Pretty much what I figured. We are looking at the sword idea not really for use (although it could be used as needed) but mainly for a presentation peace from a few of us who have served in the armed services. We have known him his entire life.

 

Bill

Pretty much what I figured. We are looking at the sword idea not really for use (although it could be used as needed) but mainly for a presentation peace from a few of us who have served in the armed services. We have known him his entire life.

 

Bill

 

Then I would buy him the Army one, so it can represent the tradition of where the USAF came from. I think that's fitting...

 

Dave

Pretty much what I figured. We are looking at the sword idea not really for use (although it could be used as needed) but mainly for a presentation peace from a few of us who have served in the armed services. We have known him his entire life.

 

Bill

 

Bill,

 

Why don't you buy him a really nice knife, instead, and have it engraved. If you were willing to pay $300 for the sword, you can get a heck of a nice knife for that much. For example, here is a presentation JPK. You can go up from there.

 

http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/ind...showtopic=85644

 

Just my 2¢ worth...

Here is something nicer:

 

http://www.gerberstore.com/index.php?xpage...ge&xid=1087

 

You can have the case engraved with a dedication...

Pretty much what I figured. We are looking at the sword idea not really for use (although it could be used as needed) but mainly for a presentation peace from a few of us who have served in the armed services. We have known him his entire life.

 

Bill

 

 

Right on! I say get the M1902, for the reasons Dave pointed out.

 

It'll stay on a wall, except MAYBE if he wants to wear it in his wedding, and the tradition is a great point. Which is essenially the same place an engraved knife would go, but a sword is...elegant.

 

Steve

Right on! I say get the M1902, for the reasons Dave pointed out.

 

It'll stay on a wall, except MAYBE if he wants to wear it in his wedding, and the tradition is a great point. Which is essenially the same place an engraved knife would go, but a sword is...elegant.

 

Steve

 

I have my USMC NCO sword hanging in a nice display case. I only used it one time (in fact it was the reason I bought it). But it is nice to have.

 

I had not given any thought to a presentation knife. Thats also I good idea. Thanks gunbarrel.

 

If I go with a sword I am thinking the only way to go would be the M1902. I have plenty of time to think about it.

 

Bill

I had not given any thought to a presentation knife. Thats also I good idea. Thanks gunbarrel.

 

You are welcome, Bill. I think that Gerber knife with a nice engraved brass plate on the presentation box would be a phenomenal gift.

I carried an Ek knife for many years in the field, and they will put his name on it for a small charge:

 

http://www.ekknife.com/knives-pricing.html

 

I agree that a knife is a better choice than a sword, its something he can carry on deployments.

 

Jeb

I carried an Ek knife for many years in the field, and they will put his name on it for a small charge:

 

http://www.ekknife.com/knives-pricing.html

 

Another excellent knife choice!

And the knife mafia strikes..... :yucky:

And the knife mafia strikes..... :yucky:

 

Ouch! That hurt! I want you to know Mister Varangian that I own a Starr U.S. Model 1812 Cavalry Saber, a collection of U.S. military machetes and two Japanese Type 95 Japanese Guntō (do the machetes and the Japanese swords count? :whistling: )

I want you to know Mister Varangian that I own a Starr U.S. Model 1812 Cavalry Saber

 

Best let me hold on to that Starr and put it in company with other long blades...instead of being surrounded by fingernail trimmers...

LOL let me think about that one...

Bill, what did you end up doing? :dunno:

Bill, what did you end up doing? :dunno:

 

gunbarrel,

 

Notthing yet. He doesn't start OCS until Jan. I think it is April when he becomes an officer. But I am thinking its going to be a M1902. I don't think he would ever spend the money on one and he will enjoy having it as a hanger.

 

Bill