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No celebration is complete without popping open a bottle of champagne. But why settle for the mundane method of uncorking when you can saber the bottle open in style? This blog post will show you the best champagne sabers available on the market, perfect for making any celebration that much more special. From sleek and modern designs to more traditional options, there's sure to be a champagne saber that's perfect for you.
We'll start with a brief definition of sabrage and finish with our top recommendations for the best sabers money can buy. Keep reading!
What Is Sabrage?
Sabrage is the technique used for opening a champagne bottle during ceremonial events. The saber wielder slides it along the body seam of the bottle to the tip.
It breaks the neck of the bottle, leaving it open and ready to pour. Using the best champagne saber and champagne swords helps you do it safely and effectively.
The saber wielder, or sword wielder, uses the blunt side of the saber to break the glass, separating the neck from the bottle's collar. The cork and collar of the bottle should remain intact.
Origins
The art of sabrage became popular in France during Napoleon's reign. After the French Revolution in the 1790s, his army used sabers to win many battles across Europe.
During victory celebrations, French soldiers would open a bottle of champagne with their weapons. Napoleon may have encouraged this behavior. He's famously quoted: "I drink champagne to celebrate when I win, and I drink champagne when I lose, to console myself."
What Is a Champagne Saber?
A champagne saber is another name for a champagne sword. It's a tool specifically designed for opening bottles of sparkling wines.
Some have short blades and resemble knives, while others are the length of traditional swords. The blunt edge of the blade works for sabrage because it's the impact on the bottle that's important.
How to Saber a Champagne Bottle With a Champagne Saber
To properly saber a champagne bottle, hold the bottle at a 20-degree angle and then cast the saber down on it. The pressure inside the bottle can cause the champagne to explode outwards if the wire cage is not there and the angle is not correct.
People with more experience in sabrage can accomplish this without losing much champagne. However, it's a good idea to let some champagne flow from the bottle to wash away shards of glass from the break.
Additionally, there should be a close inspection of the first glass of champagne for any bottle remnants. If you're interested in trying sabrage, it would be wise to receive training from an expert before trying it on your own.
Best Champagne Saber Overall
We chose the California Champagne Saber Company Sabrage Sword Edition Rutherford as the best champagne saber. It uses stainless steel with an acrylic, white marble handle. The saber weighs about 10 ounces and comes in a Pinewood box for storage and transportation.
The blade is cut from a single piece of stainless steel and crafted by skilled artisans. It's hand-polished and imprinted with the California Champagne Saber Company logo and the Edition marking. Then, the artisan adds a laser-cut stainless steel "State of California" design on the top of the handle.
After purchase, you'll receive the saber in a pine crate made from sustainable pine. It also functions as a stand, perfect for displaying your champagne sword.
Best Champagne Saber Engraved
The Fox Sciabola del Sommelier Engraved Champagne Saber comes from Maniago, a town in northeastern Italy. It's famous for its array of blade and knife producers.
It is the perfect gift for a birthday, wedding, or any celebration with champagne. It's handcrafted in Maniago with a satin blade finish and comes with a presentation box and black lacquer stand. If you know a certified sommelier, you could present this as a gift with their name engraved.
Best Antique Champagne Saber
Our pick for the best antique champagne saber is the Mathusalem Sciabola del Sommelier. It's a beautiful example of old-world craftsmanship with an olive wood handle.
It also comes from the Maniago region of Italy and has a presentation box and display stand. This saber has a finger guard and a wide blade, providing safety and functionality.
Best Cheap Champagne Saber
If you're looking to save money without sacrificing style, the Resafy Champagne Saber might be the perfect choice for you.
It gives you a quality blade with a balance point, making it ideal for beginners to the art of sabrage. This feature makes it easier to wield and adds a nice safety aspect. It's much more affordable than most other brands but still provides a classy look and a top-notch blade.
Vagnbys Champagne Saber
Vagnbys has created a modern tribute to the traditional saber. It has a molded handle, a thick knife edge, and the ideal weight for a perfectly balanced champagne sword. The blade, handle, and cover are all constructed from stainless steel.
Laguiole Champagne Saber
A master cutler creates the Laguiole En Aubrac Champagne Saber in the Laguiole region of France. It's an area famous for its expertly crafted knives.
The blade is stainless steel, and the handle is finely grained and water-resistant. The decorative chasing on the metal spine shows the signature of the saber's craftsman. It's perfectly constructed for popping a champagne bottle with style and grace.
Berkel Elegance Red Champagne Saber
The Berkel Elegance Red Champagne Saber is a good choice for a sommelier or a sabrage collector. This saber resembles a pirate's cutlass with its dark red hilt and curved blade. It has a stainless steel blade with a mirror satin finish, making it a stylish piece for display behind your bar.
Lamami Champagne Saber
The Lamami Champagne Saber is 6.5 inches long with a moderate weight. It's a good option for lopping the top off a bottle of champagne.
It has a built-in finger guard to protect your hand and a rivet-attached olive grip. Lamami, makers of Italian cutlery, offers a range of stylish and affordable options for champagne swords.
Viski Champagne Saber
The Viski Belmont Champagne Saber is an elegantly curved silver saber inspired by 19th-century French tradition. It's designed without sharp edges and offers a curved stainless-steel blade with a polished wooden handle.
Choosing the Best Champagne Sabers and Champagne Swords
If you're interested in buying a champagne saber or sword, research to find one that provides quality and suits your budget. There are excellent options regardless of your intended price range or skill level.
You might be interested in decorating your bar or giving it as a gift to a sommelier. Either way, there are many styles and varieties to choose from. You can use our list as a good starting point for your search.
Frequently Asked Questions About Champagne Sabers
Can You Saber Champagne With a Knife?
It's possible but not the best way to do it. A better way is to use a saber or sword. This will give you a cleaner cut and is less likely to break the bottle.
Can You Saber a Magnum of Champagne?
Yes, you can saber a magnum of champagne. The process is essentially the same as sabering a regular-sized bottle of champagne, though it may be a bit more complicated.
Are Champagne Sabers Safe?
Yes, sabering a bottle of champagne is safe when done properly. The key is to use a sharp knife and strike the bottle at the right angle. When done correctly, the pressure from the gas inside the bottle will cause it to open cleanly.