Cold Steel decided the U.S. Marines dress swords should actually be functional, so they replicated them into razor sharp forged 1055 carbon blades. They're faithful in every detail to government specifications; they offer highly 32" polished blades, appropriate etching and quality hilts and scabbards. The only real changes we have made are to drastically improve their performance as weapons by forging them from 1050 Carbon Steel and properly heat treating them to a tough spring temper before sharpening. In the case of the Marine Corps Officer's Saber, we have changed the hilt to solid mirror polished brass (not easily worn gold plate) and improved the attachment of the tang to the hilt so it could better withstand the rigors of sword to sword combat. 37 3/4" overall. Cold Steel, 88MNS