Saber

A saber, alternatively spelled sabre, is a one-handed, single-edged, curved sword originally associated with European light cavalry of the 18th and 19th centuries. It was the dominant type of sword in European armies in that period and saw service in major conflicts such as the American Revolutionary War, the French Revolutionary Wars, and the Napoleonic Wars.

Description
In many respects akin to the scimitar of Middle Eastern origin, the saber is a curved, single-edged sword with strong ties to the cavalry. Because of its design, its strength especially lies in slashing rather than thrusting techniques, but many sabers possess a keen point that makes them effective for penetration as well. In contrast to the earlier falchion, another type of curved, European sword, the blades of sabers tend not to be as wide, generally tapering to a fine point instead. The cutlass, a sub-class of sabers with broader and shorter blades, is an exception however. The hilts of both almost invariably possess a knuckle-bow, a piece of metal curving over the grip from the guard to the pommel that serves to protect the fingers.

Because of its similarity to single-edged, curved swords of other cultures, the term "saber" is sometimes applied to swords outside of the European context as well. This include scimitars like the Syrian Sabre and the talwar of India.

History
While the European saber rose to dominance in the 18th century, it had significant predecessors in the form of falchions and scimitars in the Middle Ages. It came to be used extensively by European armies during the Seven Years' War and the American Revolutionary War that followed several decades later. By this point, firearms had phased out swords and pikes as the primary weapon of infantry, but the saber remained a chief weapon of officers and cavalry. In the hands of foot soldiers, it was commonly utilized as a sidearm, nor was it exclusively a military weapon. As in previous centuries, civilians could purchase swords on the market, and sabers was often the regular choice. Given its ubiquity, it also served as the standard sword for the Assassins and Templars at the end of the 18th century, such as during the French Revolution.

Appearances

 * Assassin's Creed III
 * Assassin's Creed III: Liberation
 * Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag
 * Assassin's Creed: Rogue
 * Assassin's Creed: Unity