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Do you engrave in-house?
Yes. All engraving is done at our own facility in Sonoma County, California, so we control quality and turnaround directly. You get your sabre in days, not weeks.
What engraving methods do you use?
Three, chosen to suit the material:
Why does the method matter?
Not all sabres are made equal. Each manufacturer uses its own steel and coatings, so part of our job is matching the right marking process to each individual sabre to blend with — or enhance — the piece.
What color will the engraving be?
It depends on the blade. On natural steel blades, laser marking produces a dark mark that matches the manufacturer's own pre-engraved logo and model name. On black-coated blades (such as Teflon-coated models), the laser leaves a creamy white mark that stands out against the dark finish.
Is the engraving permanent?
Yes. Laser marking leaves a permanent mark on the blade.
What items can you engrave?
Are there any sabres you can't engrave?
Yes. We do not engrave Damascus steel blades — this includes the Henry Tuke, L'Imperium, and Mathusalem Damasco models. The patterning in Damascus steel doesn't take a mark well.
Can you engrave a company logo?
Yes. Logos are $50.00 each. Some logos require extra editing to convert the artwork into an engravable format — send us what you have and we'll tell you what's needed.
Can I have text on both sides of the blade?
On most sabres, yes. On models where the manufacturer has already pre-engraved a brand name on the front (such as the Due Cigni 1896 and Berkel), we typically engrave the back side, though we can add shorter text — like a full name — to the front.
Where will the engraving be positioned?
Default position varies by model and is chosen for the best visual result. On many sabres the text is centered relative to the display stand, so it looks centered when the sabre is on the stand. Others are positioned on the widest section of the blade or nearest the handle. To request a different position, add a note in the "Comments & Special Requests" or "Note to Engraver" box on the product page.
How much text should I engrave?
We suggest keeping engraving to a minimum to preserve the beauty of these artisan pieces. If you need more text than the blade comfortably allows, we can add a nameplate affixed to the stand.
How many fonts do you offer?
We offer a selection of tried-and-true fonts that we know look excellent engraved on a champagne sabre. The full font chart is shown on our "Fonts We Use" page.
Can I use a font that isn't on your list?
Yes. Request your preferred font by adding a note in the "NOTE TO ENGRAVER" box in the engraving section of the product page. We may already have it in our library. If not, there's a $35.00 charge for us to purchase the font — or you can email us a copy if you already own it.
Will you show me a proof before engraving?
Yes. We're happy to test a font and send you a proof. Call us and we'll walk you through font selection, sizing, and positioning.
Do you have engraving text suggestions?
Yes — see our "Famous Quotes and Sayings" page for inspiration.
What does engraving cost?
How long does engraving take?
Etched engraving: 1 to 3 days. Laser marking: 1 to 3 days. Sandblasting: 3 to 7 days. Engraved sabres typically ship in 1 to 4 business days; non-engraved sabres generally ship in 1 to 2 business days.
I need it faster — can you rush it?
Call us at 1-707-385-0001. Anything is possible. Purchasing expedited shipping also moves your order to the top of the engraving queue.
What is a champagne saber?
A champagne saber (also saber/sword) is a ceremonial blade used to perform sabrage — opening a champagne bottle by striking the seam of the neck so the top breaks cleanly away, cork and collar together.
Are champagne sabers sharp?
No. Champagne sabers are ceremonial swords and do not have sharpened blades. The technique relies on the force of the strike against the bottle's seam, not a cutting edge. The tips are relatively sharp and can pierce skin, so handle with care.
Where are your sabers made?
We import from European artisan makers in three countries: hand-forged German swords, hand-crafted French sabres, and hand-crafted Italian sabres. Makers include Fox Knives, Due Cigni, Maserin, Berkel, Coltellerie Saladini, Claude Dozorme, Laguiole en Aubrac, WKC, and Morgan King.
What's the difference between a French, German, and Italian saber?
Broadly: German swords tend to be hand-forged, heavier, traditional military-pattern pieces. French sabres often feature the Laguiole tradition with horn and premium natural handles. Italian sabres, many from Maniago, are known for balance and performance in sabrage. Call us and we'll help match a sabre to your use and budget.
What comes with a saber?
This varies by model, but many include a presentation box and stand, and some include white serving gloves. Check the individual product page for what's included.
Do you sell wine openers too?
Yes — French wine openers (Laguiole en Aubrac corkscrews) and Italian wine openers (Morgan King), plus gifts and accessories including stands, sheaths, and presentation boxes.
What do I need to saber a bottle?
Chilled champagne at 42–46°F, your sabre, gloves, eyewear (recommended for beginners), a little education, and confidence.
How cold does the champagne need to be?
45°F or colder is highly recommended. Cold glass is far less likely to shatter. If you take the bottle off ice, don't let it warm up before you strike.
What are the basic steps?
Will there be glass in my champagne?
No. The internal pressure blows the severed pieces away from the bottle, and the cork and collar come off cleanly. Still, always hold a poured glass up and visually check before drinking — it's good practice.
How far does the cork fly?
Anywhere from 3 to 40 feet, depending on the champagne. Sabered corks have sharp glass attached, so always point away from people, animals, and valuables.
Is sabrage dangerous?
It can be. We recommend studying and practicing with a professional before attempting sabrage. Bottles can explode and flying glass can scatter if the procedure isn't followed properly, and even correct technique can't account for a bottle with a manufacturing defect. Never saber while impaired. Never saber any bottle other than champagne — no other bottle type has the necessary glass thickness and internal pressure.
Can I drink from the bottle after sabering?
Never. The severed neck is razor sharp. Do not touch it and do not drink directly from the bottle.
Do you offer lessons?
Call us at 1-707-385-0001 — we're happy to walk you through the technique. We also host instructional videos on our site.
How fast do you ship?
We ship Monday through Friday. Estimated ground times within the continental U.S.: West Coast 1–2 days, Central 3–4 days, East Coast 5–7 days. Expedited 1-Day, 2-Day, and 3-Day options appear at checkout.
Who do you ship with?
UPS and USPS. We're happy to accommodate other carriers or services — just call.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes. Applicable duties and taxes are collected during checkout to streamline delivery and reduce customs delays. The recipient is the importer of record and is responsible for ensuring the item can lawfully be imported to the destination country. Customs procedures can cause delays beyond our original estimates.
Can you ship as a gift?
Yes. We'll ship with no pricing on the packing slip, and on many orders the shipping label reads Morgan King rather than Sonoma Champagne Sabres, to disguise the contents and preserve the surprise.
Do you do corporate gifts?
Yes — one of our specialties. We handle engraved logos, gift wrap, and personalized greeting cards for your clients. Call us to discuss volume orders.
How do I track my order?
Use the "Track My Order" link on our site, or call us.
What payment methods do you accept?
American Express, Diners Club, Discover, Google Pay, JCB, Mastercard, PayPal, Venmo, and Visa.
What is your return policy?
Unused and un-engraved products can be returned within 30 days for a full refund. You pay return shipping.
Can I return an engraved saber?
Customized products can't be returned, with three exceptions: a manufacturer's defect, an engraving error caused by us, or an item damaged during shipping. In any of those cases, we'll make it right.
Can I exchange an item?
Customized products cannot be exchanged, and neither can used items or items damaged by handling. Un-engraved, unused items follow the standard 30-day policy.
How fast are refunds processed?
Refunds and exchanges are issued within 24 hours of us receiving the returned item.
How do I start a return?
Use the Return Portal linked on our Returns page, or call/email us and we'll help.
Who are you?
Sonoma Champagne Sabres is a small, family-owned business in the Sonoma wine country of Northern California. We import from European artisan makers and do all engraving in-house.
How do I reach you?
Phone: 1-707-385-0001. Email: info@SonomaChampagneSabres.com. We're a small team and answer the phone ourselves — call us with any question about product selection, engraving, or sabrage technique.
Include a helpful and informative answer to the frequently asked question here.
Include a helpful and informative answer to the frequently asked question here.
Include a helpful and informative answer to the frequently asked question here.
Include a helpful and informative answer to the frequently asked question here.
Include a helpful and informative answer to the frequently asked question here.
Include a helpful and informative answer to the frequently asked question here.
