This is the authentic French champagne sabre, first used by Napoleon’s army to open champagne bottles in dramatic fashion when celebrating battle victories. Handmade by a master cutler in Laguiole, France where sabres have been made since 1850, the blade is hand-forged from stainless steel and the edge is left blunt—ideal for separating the champagne bottle’s collar from the neck in one fell swoop. In the hands of a skilled sommelier, the sabre opens bottles with minimal loss of champagne, save for the initial celebratory spout when the bottle is struck. The cutler shapes the blade to form the classic curved tip using techniques passed down for generations and the handle is hand carved from ebony wood, preferred for its tight grain and smooth finish. The champagne sabre stores in the included lined box. Blade: 10 1/2" L. Handle: 5 1/2" L. (3/4 lb.)