Was the Recruit Chief Petty Officer for my division at boot camp. Was responsible for marching our division around NTC San Diego. Only time I was required to carry a Sabre was when we were in formation. A few rules came with carrying the Sabre. The only person I could relinquish it to was our Division's Senior Chief or Chief (no one else for any reason). It was a dishonour to give it to another division's Chief's, and they did try all the time. I was to salute with it whenever an officer drove or walked by (I'd salute forklift drivers with it if it was dark). Last rule was I was never to run with it. Going to Physical Training one afternoon we were late and our Chief ordered "Double Time". As the entire Division (80 sailors) jogged by me I kept walking. The whole division was laughing and it was a 200 yards before the Chief realized I was still walking, sabre proudly in front of me. Chief came back laughing and said "give me that damn sabre".

@ChrisJohnson-nc1yi

Жыл бұрын

It's weird how it was done back in the day and/or on the left coast. In the mid 2000's I was the Recruit Chief Petty Officer of my division in Great Lakes and I had to keep my cutlass with me from about 2 weeks on. When my RDC handed it to me he asked, "do you know what this is?". I said "Sword, Sabre?". He said, "no, it's a cutlass, give me 40 8-counts". I hung my cutlass on my rack while I slept, and had it strapped on my waist while I was awake.

It was only fitting that someone who worked to bring back the on the cutlass should be able to wear it for two such solemn occasions. Fitting way to finish the story.

Being a blacksmith, I've always appreciated the functionality of the weapon.

An old salt told me that a few brass hilt 1861's were still common in the arms rooms of U.S. Cruisers for dress use by Petty Officers into the 1950's.

Master Chief, thank you for the history and the great content you provide.

Outstanding content as usual Master Chief. The last bit was touching. Thank you and your father for your service.

Thank you so mush for your efforts in keeping naval history accessible ( in hope that my comment is properly phrased...).

While I was aware of the 1917 and 1861 cutlasses, I had no idea about the early ones dating to the 1700's and early 1800s. The figure 8 guard does indeed look a lot like the British 1804! Also I had no idea that a version of the cutlass was still used as a ceremonial sword! It must have been so awesome to be involved in bringing that back! My condolences on the passing of your father, but I am glad you got to wear the sword you helped resurrect for the occasion. That new ceremonial cutlass is swell looking sword!

A wonderful telling of tradition on the Navy blade and its evolution. My respects to you on the passing of your father. I was entrusted as the fourth generation of my family to carry our families US Army NCO sword model of 1840 made at the Ames factory in 1861. I served 22-years active, 3-years ready reserves, and lucky for me the swords 31-inch-long blade fits me near perfect in the carry position. The model was adapted from The US Army Infantry officer's sword of the period, based on the Spadroon. And unlike most reproductions used today has a live (although dulled for use) edged weapon.

The gladius was used by legions (literally) of Roman soldiers for generations. It wasn't just something gladiators used, although their name comes from the sword. Overall a most informative video, I enjoyed all the detail.

Thank you Master Chief. I’m currently active duty and when I have time I volunteer with the Minnesota Historical Society and the Fort Saint Anthony Field Music group. I’ve been trying to add Navy traditions to our repertoire. I’ve been in the Navy for a year now and I love it. Please keep up the good work! If I may would it be possible to ask you any questions in the future? AN Anderson USN

The model 1861 cutlass is a thing of beauty. Great video. I especially seeing the earlier cutlasses we made due with when our country was young.

In boot camp in 1955 bainbridge md. The recruit company commander carried one we carried bolt action springfields

@haukepowers8491

3 жыл бұрын

We still had them in 1970s...I had one as RCPO...mostly ceremonial and drill use...One of the RCPOs really knew how to use it...took fencing when he was young..He had some really fancy moves,,,,

@KageNoTora74

3 жыл бұрын

The RCPOs at RTC/NTC San Diego in the 1990s also carried cutlasses.

As the son of a World War II Navy veteran and the father of a CMC I love your informative videos on Naval history.

Thank you Chief for your service and thank you for this interesting look at U.S. Navy cutlasses through the years.

When I was in Great Lakes Naval Training Center as a boot in 1970, we never saw a cutlass. Except for boot graduation formation, we never saw "boots" (leggings), either. We wore out tousers pinch-wrapped an stuffed into our black stockings.

@JackpineGandy

3 жыл бұрын

I was in boot camp in San Diego Jan-Mar 1966 and our RCPO or MAA carried a cutlass and we wore canvas leggings and carried a leaded M1 with sling

@victorwaddell6530

3 жыл бұрын

1985 , RTC Great Lakes . Our RPOC carried his cutlass on marches . We wore the white canvas leggings , and carried demilled M1 Garands sans bayonette. I was a stickman , and we carried bare flagstaves until we earned flags to fly from them .

@jackstiteley5439

3 жыл бұрын

Bruce, I don't know where they kept you but as a recruit in Co. 46, 1970, our RPOC carried a cutlass from 1-1 day until we departed. Leggings were used after service week and the real clean/white ones were worn for graduation.

I went through Boot Camp in 1964 at Great Lakes, our RPOC of course carried a cutlass. We found out that if the cutlass was returned to its scabbard to firmly that it became stuck in it and required the RPOC to get one of us to hold onto the scabbard while he used both hands to pull the cutlass. On at least one occasion he wound up doing some push ups because of this as anytime we felt that he was getting to big for his bell bottoms one of us would shove the cutlass firmly into the scabbard meaning he then had the humiliating experience of getting someone to help him pull it out. He had gotten the job of RPOC because he had gone to military school instead of a regular high school and had experience in using a sword.

Thank you, Master Chief, for an interesting and informative video. I've always been interested in the Navy's swords.

I own a Cold Steel 26 inch M1917 cutlass. I think Cold Steel made a mistake calling the one I own the M1917 but you corrected it as the Model 1941. I love this in my personal collection as a fighting blade.

I hope "Forged in Fire" makes the selection for cutlass in one of their episodes. I'm sure they would do it if someone suggested the idea to them.

@virgosintellect

3 жыл бұрын

It will Keel.

Thanks , Master Chief ! As a former Petty Officer I think a ceremonial blade for enlisted sailors would be a morale booster . Not a cutlass or sword , but maybe a sailor"s working knife . I'm thinking of an old school fixed blade knife , with a four inch sheep'sfoot point , in a leather sheath with a marlinspike . The knife amd spike would represent the traditional sailor skills and the day to day work they perform . Maybe for Petty Officers , and optional for strikers .

@laughingsnake1989

Жыл бұрын

Maybe a dirk or dagger type blade ? Since back in the day sailors were issued one?

@victorwaddell6530

Жыл бұрын

@@laughingsnake1989 Good idea .

@laughingsnake1989

Жыл бұрын

@@victorwaddell6530 sorry I am a history and blade nerd

@victorwaddell6530

Жыл бұрын

@@laughingsnake1989 I'm a US Navy vet , and a blade carrier . I carry a Knives of Alaska Bush Camp knife , a Russell Green River knife , and a Spyderco automatic folder every day . I'm scheduled to attend the Spartanburg County , South Carolina EMS Academy on January 2nd to be an EMT .

@baronedipiemonte3990

10 ай бұрын

Ka-Bar USN Mark 1...?

In Germany we call it the "Entermesser" which means Boarding Knife. I think the first time I saw a Cutlass on TV was when I watched "The Sand Pebles" with Steve McQueen, I saw all the Sailors, armed with BAR's, Springfield M1903's, M1911's, and Lewis Gun's wearing Brodie Helmets, and than the Chief had a Cutlass in his hands, IT was so strange to me!

Wonderful video, both entertaining and informative. The cutlass has a proud tradition and I'm glad it made a comeback in the Navy. Looking forward to a video on the officer's sword.

MasChief.. I was fortunate to weld the cutlass during my RTC time as RCPO (and was honor recruit.. boo on the drill/ceremony companies in my division) lol..... but had 2yrs prior experience( junior and senior yr) as a NJROTC Battalion Commander having weld the Navy Officers sword. I knew where the respect was earned and given by the Chiefs.. Ok ok.... I ended up going through BOOST as an (E-5), and then NROTC, graduated and got commissioned, earning my WINGS OF GOLD, eventually being blessed years later of promotions( not one pass over) lol.. made squadron XO(0-5) and retiring out!! It was a great 21-22 yrs serving and working with many LPO's & Chiefs (E-6's - E-9's) came through/saved my behind!!! lol.... MUCH LOVE to Chiefs!!!

Just purchased the Cold Steel 1917 "Hybrid" Cutlass. Which as I learned here is pretty much a copy of the 1917 cutlass, with two exceptions. One, the guard has little round perforations, supposedly to reduce the weight. 2. the Fuller is much smaller. Other then that, its a very nice reproduction. And I like it. I have recommended your video to others for the historical value. Well Done.

I retired in 2011 and my biggest regret is not purchasing one for myself to reflect on the great history of the Navy that came before me and the great sailors that keep the traditions as part of life at sea.

Love the channel. Great knowledge of history here! thank you for your service.

Well Done, Master Chief!!

Great video, and great to hear a piece of history from someone that was there. I never served in the Navy however I did serve in Marine Corps and have a lot of interest in cutlasses. Thank you for sharing

The Model 1917 is one of the pieces of militaria I aspire to collect.

@matthewcoates756

3 жыл бұрын

Cold Steel make a replica of the 1917 US Navy Cutlass. It’s worth a look.

Another great video, Master Chief! (EX) IC2 John D. Waldron-Desert Storm/Shield

Very Interesting! Thanks for your research and service. I served between 1957 and 1989 and retired as a Master Chief Photographer's Mate (Naval Air Crewman)... All of your videos are interesting to me and bring back fond memories (and some memories not so fond)...

My first ship back in 1965 was the USS AMPHION (AR-13) for they had the model 41's mounted in the racks in the ship's armory.

I remember my fist ship back in 1965 the USS AMPHION (AR-13) for they had the Model 41's in racks in their ship's armory along w/ the Gurand M-1's, BAR's and the Thompson's Sub-machineguns. Yep, I am an old salt.

Chief, thank you for the research, details and presentation… most of all, thank you for your service.

Great stuff, Master Chief. I think we may have served together. I'm Patrick W. Lappert, CAPT, MC, USN (Ret). I was a General Surgeon, then a Plastic/ Reconstructive Surgeon. Oak Knoll, Bethesda, Portsmouth, and 3 years with the FMF as a Flight Surgeon at MCAS Beaufort. Ring any bells?

Outstanding.

This is an incredible story. Thank you for telling it and for the part you personally played in it.

Carried the Cutlass as and RCPO for Co 205, 1984. At my retirement in 2004, my last Division bought me a Cutlass as a retirement gift. I was left speechless. This is not an easy task.

As someone who fences with saber, longsword, rapier, etc. when I make Chief (USCG) I will definitely be commissioning a cutlass and reading the naval cutlass manual to learn the guards and methods.

Thank you for sharing Master Chief, that's pretty awesome. I had the privilege and The misfortune one might say of leading my formation at Great Lakes on my first night of arrival and unfortunately I didn't quite get the count right in the general confusion and another rcpo was selected for that position, which in the end worked out as I was allowed to research further into my interest in the diver program which I inevitably decided against in favor of becoming a aviation structural mechanic as I initially had intended. I went on to become a composites specialist and then in non-destructive inspection technician out of Oceania and I eventually got out at the rank of petty officer second class after I completed the sunset tour of the f-14 tomcat. If I just stayed in I would probably be retiring next year but in my youth I didn't have the foresight and understanding and I was reticent to become a chief as I wanted to stay Hands-On and I figured that would be taken away as I had seen happen during the first class grooming process of Chief selection. In hindsight I didn't continue that work anyway so I probably should have considered that but to this day I still am pretty Hands-On as a truck driver and I'm glad I did everything the way that I did because now I have a wonderful family whom I love very much. Thank you for your sacrifice Master Chief, end of your father's as well. I grew up a military brat so, I can appreciate what you must have gone through as well. Fair winds and following seas, shipmate.

Outstanding Master Chief!

I remember the one I had in Boot Camp as RCPO, San Diego, Company 927 21 June - -3 Sept .1976.. .wish I could have a copy of it and hang it on my wall....

I was in Great Lakes in 84.. I can still remember one of my drill Chiefs. It was Chief Lovelace. The other was a 1rst class pretty office that wore his Dixie cup cover at a really hard slant. Wow.. those were the days.

@JackGorton1960s

3 ай бұрын

Me too. 84 jan

@HayesTech

3 ай бұрын

@@JackGorton1960s I went in, June of 84

Great video! Thanks Master Chief!!!

I carried in boot as Weill. 85-104 at San Diego

@haukepowers8491

3 жыл бұрын

Me as well....Company 927...San Diego 1976 !!!!

Thank you Master Chief I enjoyed your video.

Excellent job. Very interesting. Thanks, Chief.

great video. thank you

Thank you for posting, it was very informative.

So much history here that was never really covered either in basic, nor in my 20th Edition Bluejackets manual. Are you ever going to do one about the telescope and sea chest that share the honors with the cutlass in your into's?

I thought it interesting that officers on the cusp of battle would go to the armory and have a cutlass issued to them for the coming fight. The officer swords were too light to use and would easily break. The cutlass was the enlisted man's weapon which was durable and heavy enough to decapitate the enemy with one stroke. During my time as a Chief I would have welcomed wearing a cutlass as part of my uniform.

@1337penguinman

3 жыл бұрын

The Cutlass is as iconic a Naval weapon as there ever was. You want something good in close quarters and able to take a beating. It also has to be simple enough and rugged enough that it can be issued out to anyone in the crew. Not custom tailored to the owner as infantry officer swords often were. Also, that big handguard very often served as brass knuckles vs using the blade due to the close quarters nature of Naval boarding actions. Same reason that armed Naval watchstanders are usually issued pistols rather than rifles.

@mitchellsmith4690

3 жыл бұрын

I think the cutlass should be part of the dress uniforms of the Navy and Coast Guard, with sword for Army (except cavalry who should have sabers) and Marines. Air Force can have a pointer

@PatrickKniesler

3 жыл бұрын

@@mitchellsmith4690 Except it isn't in the nature of a naval crew to go about armed all day, as it is with other forces. As it was said, cutlasses were not personal weapons.

@mitchellsmith4690

3 жыл бұрын

@@PatrickKniesler True, but it would look good for dress uniforms. Soldiers don't normally bear arms in garrison, either.

@victorwaddell6530

3 жыл бұрын

@@mitchellsmith4690 I think it would be a great morale booster for enlisted of all services to have a ceremonial blade . Maybe as an option for those who can afford one . I believe a ceremonial bayonette or sailors' knife for navy petty officers would be nifty . A sailors' knife with sheep'sfoot blade and a marlinespike , hung from a guardbelt would look cool with Dress Jumpers .

splendid videos! naval traditions are deeply fascinating. i am binge watching all of these

Very sorry for the loss of your father. Thank you for your many years of service.

Triple Threat!!! I was in the Bluejacket Choir in my Triple Threat company in GLAKES in 1980. Company 939.

I have heard that the 1861 Cutlass also called the "Wrist Breaker" not sure why. But you are very knowledgeable. Glad I watched.

Awesome bit of history about the original “sidearm” of fighting men’ born out necessity and then graduated to ceremonial’ it has seen it all from war to peace’ to land and back to sea’ an elegant weapon from a more elegant time’ always ready’ always willing’ what better way to honor men’ then with the naval cutlass.

Well Done Master Chief and I tip in a hurrah for the team!

Mark, thanks again!

Great story.. persistence pays

wonderful contribution MC i want one of these for my ship

Awesome 👍 was wondering if you could do a video about the submarine warfare pin?

I always wanted a cutlass for my "I love me, wall" in my house. I retired as an E-6. Got any ideas, suggestions, headaches, heartaches, neuralgia on the subject Master Chief?

@masterchiefsseachest1983

3 жыл бұрын

There are reproductions of the M1861 cutlass out there - not hard to find. If you have the money, it's not hard to find an original.

@user-mt6zj1zs4g

3 жыл бұрын

If you're retired, order one from the uniform shop at the NEX

@richardstansbury9788

3 жыл бұрын

@@user-mt6zj1zs4g Thanks!

@shawnradford9248

3 жыл бұрын

If you are looking for one without anchors on it in that style there is a few websites that offer them cheaper than the CPO version. Atlanta Cutlery Corp and Windlass come to mind and Marlow White has one but it has U.S.C.G. stamped on it.

I also joined the Navy in 1981

Again, well done. Didn’t know the Ceremonial Guard was a part of the process. - former ceremonial Guard Member

I have a Cold Steel cutlass (retirement gift) that I thought was a 1917 pattern. Turns out it's a 1941 pattern. Thanks for the info Brother. Dave FCC(SW) RET

@doteman92

3 жыл бұрын

I got one also as a Christmas gift.

"Cold Steel" makes a very good, functional replica of the 1917 cutlass with blued blade.

Excellent production sir...

Outstanding. Four O Chief!

Thank you for your service to our country!

Great vid man, thanks!

the whistle at the begining is fuck?ng bad a$$ dude

Thanks. I found that very interesting.

Marechaussee is not the name of the sword, but rather of a branch of the Dutch military police force in which the klewang was used (it was also used elsewhere, and there were many small variations in design throughout its lifetime). The word klewang / kelewang originates from Indonesia where it described a class of indigenous beefy short sabers (although the Dutch ones are actually rather light for a cutlass).

That is beautiful

I wish I had one in 1991 on boarding's in the Red Sea and the Gulf. Also the drills are the same as the 26 inch police impact weapon nec 9545.

@billjurcich6087

3 жыл бұрын

also as a trained fencer it is a fantastic CQB weapon. better than 9mm in under 15 feet

Captain David Gallery gave the last order to board an enemy Navy vessel when his Battle Group with flagship baby flattop Guadalcanal captured the German submarine U-505 during WWII.

@jackstiteley5439

3 жыл бұрын

That was Danial Gallery. The rest is correct.

Thanks Doc Ooh Rah

Request you do a video on how to wear the Cutlass. The buckle situation is hard enough

Thank you, thank you Sir. Great videos Master Chief. Any thoughts on the mark 1,2 etc knives???

@masterchiefsseachest1983

3 жыл бұрын

At some point, perhaps

@victorwaddell6530

3 жыл бұрын

As a navy vet and knife junky , I would love to see your input on navy knives . Not just the officially issued models , but what types of knives sailors commonly use . I'm not sure how the navy feels about sailors carrying knives today , but in my time the ship's geedunk stores sold knives . The most common was the Buck 110. Thanks Master Chief !

Was the handguard enlarged to accommodate dress Uniform gloves ?

Ah, the Cutlass. My favorite edged weapon named after an Oldsmobile.

Excellent telling. Rifles changed...why shouldn’t cutlasses?!

That was a great video thank you for your contribution. What is your opinion on Navy Petty officers having their own Cutlass just as ncos and other branches of the military have a sword all to their own?

@masterchiefsseachest1983

3 жыл бұрын

Very few chances for POs to wear one.

@donabele1243

3 жыл бұрын

With the exception of the Navy Ceremonial Guard and the Sailors assigned to the USS CONSTITUTION, no Petty Officers are authorized the wear of a cutlass. As the Command Master Chief of the USS CONSTITUTION from 2005-2008, I wore an 1861 pattern cutlass any time I was in my traditional '1813' uniform. When participating in any formal ceremonies, I wore a cutlass as did my color guard members who would normally be bearing rifles, regardless of if we were wearing 1813s or our dress uniforms.

What ship(s) is that, where most of the pics of sailors with cutlasses were taken. Especially the surprisingly sharp pic showing a rack of cutlasses on a ship armed with broadside cannon.

@evanator166

3 жыл бұрын

I am guessing that the rack of cutlasses picture is from HMS Victory.

I’d be interested to know What Recruit Company The Masterchief served in At Great Lakes. I myself served in Company 930 “The Triple Threat. Tenor in the Recrute Choir. Served 24 years retired Chief.

How's the balance of the CPO ceremonial cutlass? Is it point heavy? Is there any distal taper?

a workmate of mine back in 60's Liverpool worked as a foreman painter (on ships)told me he'd used a cutlass in ww2, turned out he'd been one of the matelot's that had boarded tthe Kriegsmarine ship Altmark, webley in one hand cutlass in the other, he told me the German seamen weren't worried aboiut the pistol..but the cutlass gave them the shakes (His ship was a Tribal class destroyer H.M.S. Cossack) so I think he'd disagree violently with you about it NOT being a personal weapon! It was the last time the cutlass was used in anger by the RN, He told me that they regularly did cutlas drills.

@donjones4719

3 жыл бұрын

The Master Chief was said "not a personal weapon" in the sense that they weren't an item issued individually to an enlisted man, or personally owned like an officer's sword. They were handed out only when an action was ordered or anticipated, and then handed back in. But your workmate would surely have considered it to be for his personal offense or defense when he boarded the Altmark.

@peterforden5917

3 жыл бұрын

@@donjones4719 Fair'nuff my mistake for not listening attentively enough, which my teachers in bygone days of yore would assuredly agree with :)

There once was a pirate named Bates. Who tried to rumba on skates. But a slip of his cutlass rendered him nutless and perfectly useless on dates

Are chief that retire before 2010 eligible to receive a Cutless?

Chief of the boat also wears the command pin also and the person is a Master Chief

@donabele1243

3 жыл бұрын

Amy, not all Chief of the Boat (COBs) are Master Chiefs, many are Senior Chiefs.

Sir, a question (trivia): I’ve been told twice by two different people that the last time the Navy used cutlasses on a boarding party was during Desert Storm in 1991 to board two Iraqi natural gas container ships anchored off Basra. Boarding party was armed with Beretta 9mm and cutlass so as not to ‘set off’ natural gas. Turns out both container ships were empty and abandoned. Do you know if this is true?

Master chief can use this video for our cpo selectee training?

Is there a source for obtaining the CPO Ceremonial Cutlass? HMCS Retired

How many Swords, APPROXIMATELY, in the combined armed forces, currently exist in the United States?

At 19:06 "Ceremoinal"? .

👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽

Anyone else heard his stomach growl at 11:40? 😮

you do to you self what you do to others, you made your self your own nation, stand with it and fall with it, but the Earth is for man and Woman

Is that cardboard in the handle?