2026.10.16 REFINED Sword DESIGNS SPECs PHOTOS Package.pdf

This is a Purchase Description (PD) specification document for a United States Military Academy (USMA) cadet sword with scabbard and cover, issued August 28, 2026, under document number WP-PD-26-02.

The specification establishes requirements for a single-type sword assembly designed for USMA cadets at West Point for manual of arms and ceremonial usage. The sword comprises three primary components: a stainless-steel blade (UNS S42000), a hilt assembly with pommel, grip, cross guard, and leather cushion, and a scabbard with liners. The blade shall measure 29-5/8 inches in length with a diamond-shaped cross section, carefully tempered and ground to achieve Rockwell "C" hardness of 48 to 54. The pommel is a copper-zinc alloy solid casting with an integral cast eagle featuring an eagle's head facing its own right wing, polished to bright finish and lacquered. The grip is nickel-copper-zinc alloy, grooved and plated with copper and nickel layers. The cross guard features a cast USMA oval insignia with Athena Helmet and "DUTY * HONOR * COUNTRY * USM*A" lettering. The scabbard body is carbon steel (1±0.25 mm thick), nickel-plated, with conical-shaped foam-reinforced liners for sword retention and smooth insertion/withdrawal. The complete sword weighs 695 ± 40 grams; the scabbard weighs 430 ± 30 grams. Each assembly includes a flannelette cover (80% polyester, 20% cotton, PANTONE blue color 286) with drawstring. Finished dimensions for the nominal 30-inch sword include overall length of 35-3/8 inches and scabbard length of 30-21/32 inches with specified tolerances. Inspection requirements include first article inspection and conformance inspection per ASQ/ANSI Z1.4, with defects classified as major or minor per Table II. Testing shall verify dimensions, weight, hardness (ASTM E18), plating thickness (ASTM D1005), and functional performance including sword retention, smooth operation, and liner durability over three years. The specification references Department of Defense specifications (MIL-DTL-45204 for gold plating, A-A-52094 for cotton thread) and multiple non-government standards including British, German, and international specifications for materials and testing methods. The contracting activity should specify sizes, first article requirements, inspection acceptance quality limits, and packaging per contract terms.