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The Bermejo Saber: Distinction and Rigor in the World’s Armies
From battlefields resounding with epic deeds to the most solemn ceremonies, few objects embody honor and tradition as strongly as the military saber. But what happens when the ancestral mastery of a century-old legacy merges with the modern demands of global armies? Let’s delve into the fascinating world of the Bermejo Saber, a Toledo gem that has forged its place of distinction in the hands of military personnel from five continents.
This article will reveal the secret of its manufacture, its imposing international presence, and the rich history that makes it a symbol of rigor and excellence.
The Heart of Steel: The Artisanal Mastery of Bermejo
In the heart of ancient Toledo, a tradition of more than a century pulsates with every hammer blow and every glow of incandescent steel. The Bermejo brand, under the protection of Espadas y Sables de Toledo, S.L., is the faithful guardian of an art that refuses to disappear: sword-making. Since 1910, Bermejo has perfected the “Secret of Tempering,” a wisdom passed down from generation to generation that endows Toledo steel with incomparable flexibility, resistance, and handling.
The process begins with high-quality steel sheets, with a carbon content of 0.6%. They are cut to measure and then heated in charcoal ovens, observing the transformation of the steel: from “ember red” to “king’s purple,” to “sunset red,” each shade guiding the master swordsmith in his forge. Then, tempering: removing the steel from the oven upon reaching the “desert sun” (approximately 1,000 degrees) and immersing it in water or olive oil. But the magic doesn’t end there; the “quenching” technique, an ancestral secret that gives the saber its final elasticity, is an art that only the touch of a bull horn can validate by the characteristic smell of “burnt horn,” marking the precise moment for its removal.
Subsequently, a cleaning with ultrasonic machines and a bath of gold, nickel, and silver prepare the blade for its final stage, where grips and scabbards, made of leather or metal according to the specifications of each army, are fitted. Bermejo’s dedication is not only reflected in the quality of its sabers but also in its commitment to the future, training young artisans to perpetuate this legacy. It is this combination of history, tradition, and skill that elevates the Bermejo Saber to an unparalleled standard of excellence.
Bermejo Through Time: A History Forged in Steel
The history of Bermejo is not just the history of a company, but the testimony of an unbreakable tradition tied to the land where it was born. Below, we present the key moments that have sculpted the legend of the Bermejo Saber:
Era
Event
Historical Context (Undefined Time)
King Charles III
Orders the construction of the National Arms Factory of Toledo to bring together master swordsmiths and safeguard craftsmanship against the popularity of firearms.
Since 1910
The Bermejo brand begins its activity, establishing its origin in the sword-making tradition of Toledo and becoming a custodian of that tradition.
More than 100 years
The company Espadas y Sables de Toledo, S.L. (behind Bermejo) has manufactured Toledo craftsmanship for over a century; the quality of its products is based on the experience accumulated by its workers throughout those more than 100 years.
Year 2019
The year 2019 appears in copyright notes of some sections of the Bermejo website.
Year 2023
Espadas y Sables de Toledo, S.L. participates in the Strategic Internationalization Plan of Castilla‑La Mancha 2021‑2025 and attends the IWA NÜREMBERG 2023 FAIR.
Present (Duration)
Bermejo is currently the oldest brand dedicated to the manufacture of military swords and sabers and holds the first place in the world in this field, maintaining the sword-making tradition of Toledo.
Elite Ambassadors: The Global Impact of Bermejo Sabers
The Bermejo Saber has transcended Spanish borders to become an emblem of distinction in the armies of 62 nations, distributed across five continents. From the most solemn ceremonies to parades of great rigor, these sabers, between 70 and 90 cm in length, with their characteristic curved, single-edged blade, are the preferred choice for those seeking to represent military honor and tradition.
The list of armies that trust Bermejo is as extensive as it is prestigious, including forces such as the US Navy, the US Army, the United States Marine Corps, or the iconic Swiss Guard of the Vatican. Countries like Argentina, Mexico, Zambia, Brazil, Australia, Malaysia, Morocco, and the Philippines also proudly display sabers forged in Toledo. Furthermore, Bermejo maintains an exclusive relationship with the Spanish Army, being the official supplier of sabers for its various branches.
To understand the magnitude of Bermejo’s impact, it is essential to know some of the sabers that have forged its global renown. Toledo’s mastery adapts to the demands and traditions of each nation, creating unique pieces that are much more than a weapon: they are symbols of identity.
Country / Region
Corps / Saber Type
Spain
Spanish Army, Civil Guard, Ertzaintza. General’s Saber of the Spanish Army. Spanish Navy Saber. Officer’s Saber of the Spanish Army. Non-commissioned Officer’s Saber of the Spanish Army. Civil Guard Officer’s Saber. Civil Guard Non-commissioned Officer’s Saber. Ertzaintza Saber.
United States
Armed forces. USA Sabers.
United Kingdom
Saber of the Ceremonial Tower Guardian. Officer’s Saber of the Royal Company of Archers. Royal Navy Saber. Saber of the Master of Arms of the Royal Navy.
What is the manufacturing process of Bermejo sabers?
The manufacturing process of Bermejo sabers begins with the tempering of the blades, where the hardness and flexibility of the steel are controlled. Then, the blades go through machine tools to be rectified, planed, ground, and emptied, including the milling of the blades with channels. Subsequently, the blades are polished and sharpened for their edge. The grips and scabbards are also manufactured, being cast in molds. The blades are prepared to undergo protective nickel baths if they are carbon steel, and end with exclusive engravings made by photogravure and acid etching. The entire process combines traditional methods with modern techniques to ensure ancestral quality and craftsmanship.
Which armies use Bermejo sabers?
Bermejo sabers are used by 62 armies worldwide, including the US Army (US Navy, US Army, Marines), the Swiss Guard of the Vatican, and the armies of countries such as Argentina, Mexico, Zambia, Brazil, Australia, Malaysia, Morocco, and the Philippines. Additionally, Bermejo has the exclusivity to manufacture sabers for the Spanish Army. In total, their products adorn the uniforms of military forces from five continents.
How does Toledo steel differ from other types of steel?
Toledo steel differs from other types of steel mainly in its manufacturing method and the resulting blade structure. Unlike many steels that are made from a single alloy, Toledo steel is obtained by welding three sheets: a central iron core (more ductile and flexible) and two outer layers of steel (harder and more wear-resistant). This technique, known as “fire welding,” combines the toughness of iron with the hardness of steel, achieving blades that do not break easily and maintain an exceptional edge.
Another distinctive feature is the artisanal control of tempering, traditionally performed in the waters of the Tagus River, although what is decisive is not the water itself, but the skill of the swordsmiths and the heating and cooling process. Additionally, Toledo steel historically stands out for its flexibility, resistance, and durability, qualities that made it a reference for swords and bladed weapons in Europe for centuries.
Unlike Damascus steel, which seeks showy patterns by folding multiple layers, Toledo steel stands out for its functionality and robustness, with a visible line on the blade that marks the transition between iron and steel, but without the typical decorative patterns of Damascus. In summary, Toledo steel is not just an alloy, but a forging technique that achieves a unique balance between hardness, flexibility, and resistance.
What artisanal techniques are used in the manufacture of Bermejo sabers?
The artisanal techniques used in the manufacture of Bermejo sabers include the traditional tempering of steel, which is a secret process passed down from generation to generation that gives Toledo steel its exceptional quality. Subsequently, mechanical processes such as rectification, grinding, hollowing, and milling of the saber blades are carried out. Then, the blades are polished, refined, and sharpened manually. Nickel baths are used to protect and prepare the blades for exclusive engravings, which are made using traditional methods such as photogravure and acid etching. In addition, the grip and scabbard are handcrafted, taking care of every detail to maintain the excellence of the final product.
What is the history behind Bermejo’s acquisition by Marto?
There is no available information regarding the acquisition of an entity called “Bermejo” by “Marto.” Search results do not refer to any purchase, merger, or acquisition operation between these two parties.
The Bermejo Saber is more than a simple object; it is a bridge between the past and the present, a legacy of passion, skill, and, above all, rigor. Its undeniable presence in the world’s armies is not only a testament to its quality but also to the enduring importance of symbols in our society. Each Bermejo saber wielded carries the echo of centuries of history, the promise of manual excellence, and the pride of a tradition that has known how to reinvent itself without forgetting its roots. Bermejo is rigor, distinction, and history forged in steel, which continues to march firmly in the most important parades and ceremonies around the world.
The manufacturing process of Bermejo sabers begins with the tempering of the blades, where the hardness and flexibility of the steel are controlled. Then, the blades go through machine tools to be rectified, planed, ground, and emptied, including the milling of the blades with channels. Subsequently, the blades are polished and sharpened for their edge. The grips and scabbards are also manufactured, being cast in molds. The blades are prepared to undergo protective nickel baths if they are carbon steel, and end with exclusive engravings made by photogravure and acid etching. The entire process combines traditional methods with modern techniques to ensure ancestral quality and craftsmanship.
Toledo steel differs from other types of steel mainly in its manufacturing method and the resulting blade structure. Unlike many steels that are made from a single alloy, Toledo steel is obtained by welding three sheets: a central iron core (more ductile and flexible) and two outer layers of steel (harder and more wear-resistant). This technique, known as “fire welding,” combines the toughness of iron with the hardness of steel, achieving blades that do not break easily and maintain an exceptional edge.
The artisanal techniques used in the manufacture of Bermejo sabers include the traditional tempering of steel, which is a secret process passed down from generation to generation that gives Toledo steel its exceptional quality. Subsequently, mechanical processes such as rectification, grinding, hollowing, and milling of the saber blades are carried out. Then, the blades are polished, refined, and sharpened manually. Nickel baths are used to protect and prepare the blades for exclusive engravings, which are made using traditional methods such as photogravure and acid etching. In addition, the grip and scabbard are handcrafted, taking care of every detail to maintain the excellence of the final product.
