Made in the USA

The United States Air Force Academy Cadet Saber. A symbol of integrity, honor and commitment.

Receiving this 36-inch ceremonial weapon has helped tens of thousands of United States Air Force Academy cadets mark their graduations. The sabers also are wielded by all 40 cadet squadron commanders, the wing commander, the USAFA Cadet Sabre Drill Team and others.

“The saber has really been a part of our history from the very beginning,” says Steve Simon, heritage officer for USAFA’s Association of Graduates (AOG).

And now, after more than six decades, production of those sabers is moving from overseas to the United States—and closer yet, to Colorado Springs.

A Bit of History

The United States Air Force was established in 1947. In 1958, the cadets moved from a temporary site in Denver to Colorado Springs. It was around this time that the Cadet Saber was introduced–a straight-blade style with a nod to the West Point Saber, says Cadet Sabre Drill Team member Andrew Fischer of Lithia, Florida.

The drill team was formed in 1961 to demonstrate professional military skills and discipline through the performance of intricate saber manual (skills/maneuvers). Fischer’s uncle was on the team in 1979.

“He suggested I go and take a look,” says Fischer, who did, was inspired, and started the eight-month process of training and physical development. He is now in his final year at the Academy.

“The saber is a representation of hard work,” Fischer says.

Training

When first-year drill team cadets begin training, they use a heavier, duller blade made from welded scrap metal, says Cadet Hannah Choi of Perry Hall, Maryland, the team’s commander. That allows them to master spins and throws with reduced risk of injury. Eventually, they learn various combinations of about 30 specific pieces of manual to create more complex maneuvers.

“Learning manual is not an easy or simple process,” says Choi, a civil engineering major in her final year at the Academy.

The team practices for at least an hour on weekdays and travels together to perform at a variety of military and patriotic activities, sporting events, air shows, saber arches, parades and other events.

Moving Production to Colorado Springs

Previously, the sabers were crafted in Germany. This year, Colorado Springs-based Excalibur Outdoors was awarded the contract. Excalibur grew out of Kilroy’s Workshop, a local business which teaches classes in blacksmithing, bladesmithing, welding and more to about 4,000 people annually.

“I can’t even put it into words,” owner Ron Hardman says, clearly emotional about his business being selected to construct the sabers.

Kayla Ladd, assistant director of merchandise and customer service for the AOG, says Kilroy’s has been the local go-to place for saber repair and refurbishment for years and it simply made sense to shift manufacturing to this local business. Having the sabers crafted here will offer myriad benefits, including personalized etching and various display options.

Naviere Walkewicz, senior vice president of alumnae relations at the AOG, called it a “win-win.”

A Few Changes

While the weapons will look similar from a distance, there will be some changes. The sabers now will be numbered, making each a one-of-a-kind treasure. The handles previously had a wire-wrap look; Excalibur is doing actual wire wrap. The crest on the guard will now reflect the United States Air Force Academy rather than the Air Force. And definition is being added to the pommel to clarify that it’s a globe.

“We want to be able to use the best design with the best balance,” says Gracen Gonzalez, who helped design the sabers. He says using computer-assisted design first allows Excalibur to make each component more crisp, and to make the sabers light but “really, really strong.”

The sabers will be available to anyone and sold through Doolittle Outfitters at USAFA or online.