Will This $250 Yatagan Make the Cut? (Sword Review)

The Ottoman yatağan (or yataghan) is quite an iconic short sword with a unique recurve blade. I haven't had a chance to handle and cut with one, until now. Let's see how this inexpensive reproduction holds up!

As usual I examined the fit & finish, did test cutting on various materials, and found out if it gets damaged from realistic use (full contact with another sword in parries & deflections).


** Specifications **

Overall length: 75 cm (29-1/2'')
Blade length: 61 cm (24'')
Blade thickness: 3.3mm (1/8'')
Weight: 646 g (1 lb 6.8 oz)

Blade material: 1060 high carbon steel
Grip material: Goat horn
Construction: Pinned handle scales


** Pros / Cons **

+ Affordable price for a functional reproduction
+ Solid construction, durable blade
+ Comfortable handle

- Hard secondary bevel limits cutting performance
- Tang ends before the pommel, leaving a gap


** Where to get it **

https://www.swordbuy.co/yatagan-sword/


** Sources / picture credits **

https://swordencyclopedia.com/yatagan...
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collect...
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collect...
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collect...
https://www.mandarinmansion.com/item/...


** Music credits **

“Battle Theme 5” by Alexandr Zhelanov
https://opengameart.org/content/battl...
Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

Outro:
"Highland Storm" by The Slanted Room Records
https://theslantedroom.github.io/stev...
Used with artist's permission


** Sources **

https://swordencyclopedia.com/yatagan...
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collect...
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collect...
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collect...
https://www.mandarinmansion.com/item/...


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