Saber

MomofFutureLeader · Sep 8, 2015

So, our DS will graduate with class of 2016. He is planning on buying two sabers, one for himself and one for us. His father is very enthusiastic about definitely wanting one. I am looking at purchasing a nice case with a glass cover. My question is for the engraving plate......What is typical for this? I know that every one is different but I requested DS come up with some kind of sentiment for the engraving and am still waiting. I would like to get this ordered while they are offering the current 10% discount. Can I get any examples of what is customary? Is this usually some appreciation to the parent for their support or is it a tribute to the cadet in recognition of their achievement? Never having seen one, I don't know whether it is usually in honor the recipient or in recognition of the cadet in the case where the parents will be keeping and proudly displaying.

Dad · Sep 8, 2015

Last year Firsties had the opportunity to purchase up to three at a crazy low price. Much less than what I paid the AOG on Black Friday. Tell your DS to keep his ears open. It may pay off.

The sabers come etched with 'U.S. Air Force Academy' on them. I'm not sure about etching them. We made a case and purchased an etched label and affixed it to the case. We also mounted squadron pins and other artifacts on it.

Regarding honor, sabers are given to honor someone's achievement or to celebrate a milestone. For a parent or grad, it is an appropriate gift.

MomofFutureLeader · Sep 9, 2015

Dad said:
Last year Firsties had the opportunity to purchase up to three at a crazy low price. Much less than what I paid the AOG on Black Friday. Tell your DS to keep his ears open. It may pay off.

The sabers come etched with 'U.S. Air Force Academy' on them. I'm not sure about etching them. We made a case and purchased an etched label and affixed it to the case. We also mounted squadron pins and other artifacts on it.

Regarding honor, sabers are given to honor someone's achievement or to celebrate a milestone. For a parent or grad, it is an appropriate gift.

DS is going to be ordering the sabers later on. I know that he said that he can get them much cheaper than the AOG price. R&R Woodworking is supposed to be the recommended company for saber cases. They seem awfully pricey to me but not sure what would be a good alternative that we could be confident would be really nice for much less. they are offering a 10% discount for the cases through today. DS got back to me with a message along the lines of "Thank you for all of your support. I could not have done it without you." My husband is pretty good at woodworking and considered making one but figures by the time he bought quality oak, the glass, velvet backing, hardware, engraving plate, paid for engraving, and built the whole thing we would just go ahead and order one made.

lsredmond · Sep 9, 2015

My DD graduated last year and we used R&R Woodworking. The engraving plate in the shadow box has their crest, United States Air Force Academy Class of 2015, name and date of graduation.

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fencersmother · Sep 9, 2015

Our sons gave us a case with TWO sabres in it (ok, you can put your green horns of jealousy away now!), and the plaque lists USAFA, their names, date of grad. What was special was that there were the (say it together now) TWO SABRES. (I'm snickering here. Let an old lady have her fun)

MombaBomba · Sep 9, 2015

fencersmother said:
Our sons gave us a case with TWO sabres in it (ok, you can put your green horns of jealousy away now!), and the plaque lists USAFA, their names, date of grad. What was special was that there were the (say it together now) TWO SABRES. (I'm snickering here. Let an old lady have her fun)

I am not going to have triplets just to try and get 3 sabers! Especially not at this age! Ack!

I am thinking you should get 2 gold handled sabers just for having and raising twins!

USAFA83GradWife · Sep 9, 2015

My younger siblings are twins & only a year younger, so for all intents & purposes, my mom had triplets. :yikes:

Anyway, back on topic: My DH gave his saber to his Mom when he graduated. He never had his own (couldn't afford it.)
About 10 years ago, I ordered one through the AOG & got the case at R&R Woodworking. I just went with the standard engraving because it was the saber that was important to him.

I would recommend that if your graduate buys a saber for someone else & not him/herself, then rethink it & make sure to get one!

fencersmother · Sep 9, 2015

I know my one son got one for himself, and think my other guy did as well.

My twins had a baby sister who came less than 17 months after they were born and they had a big bro, 3 years older, so four kids in 4 years. Trust me - we had our own share of pandemonium around here for quite a long time.

falcongirl · Sep 9, 2015

I highly recommend R&R woodworking. I bought two saber cases from R&R last year. They were more expensive than the standard cases from the cadet store, but the craftsmanship is beautiful. I was also able to get red (class color) backing. The first was a single case with a glass cover for myself. The second was a double saber case for my parents. My dad is also a USAFA grad and we both graduated with RTB classes, so the double case displays both our sabers with plaques for our class years and squadrons.