The Henry Tuke Champagne Sabre

The tradition of opening a Champagne bottle with a saber was born in the Napoleonic era, begun by the general himself after winning a battle in 1812. This unique custom has survived to this day, and not only in France.

After the wire basket is removed from the cork, the blade is slid along the neck of the bottle, and onto the thicker part of the neck below the bottle head. When done in a strong, smooth motion (it takes a little practice), the cork leaps out with a bang and the Champagne flows out, and the glass fragments fly forward, propelled by the pressure, creating a veritable firework of bubbly. The severed bottle head with the cork is then customarily labeled with the date, to serve as a reminder of the celebration, or the trophy of a battle won.

True to the original style, this especially high-quality Champagne saber by Henry Tuke is one of only a few ever made - there is currently a 4-year waitlist for special orders. It was hand-forged in England from top-grade Damascus steel - a special blend of high carbon steels that's been around for over 2,000 years, and was a known favorite of both Aristotle and Alexander The Great. It was also the main metal used for weaponry during the Crusades. The handle and pommel have been handmade from pure sterling silver and silver wire, and the saber comes complete with it's own display stand, made from 2,000 year-old Roman oak.

This saber was even taken to Champagne, France (the only region that true Champagne can actually be from), and was used to slice 35 bottles in 60 seconds, without a scratch left on it, breaking the Guinness World Record for Speed Sabering.

It's a truly breathtaking piece of art and history that needs to be seen to be believed.