This Shashka saber has a blade of unsharpened high carbon steel. The grip is formed from polished halves of carved wood riveted to the blade tang. The scabbard has a core of wood and is overlaid with black leather and finished with steel fittings and hanging rings. The Shaska is typically worn edge-side up, like a katana. Elegant in its simplicity, this iconic sword of the Caucasus originated in the highlands among the hill and mountain tribes of the region, though it was immortalized by its adoption by the famed Cossacks. With a gentle arc well-suited as a cavalry sword, a military version of the Shaska was used by Soviet cavalrymen in both World Wars – where the large open plains and steppes made long supply lines for fueled vehicles less practical than roving regiments of horsemen who could use cunning and speed to overwhelm the foe in a whirlwind of saber blades.