The Final Watch: Why the Sword & Cutlass Demand a Proper Resting Place

The Final Watch: Why the Sword & Cutlass Demand a Proper Resting Place

Retirement isn’t just a date on a calendar; it’s the lowering of a flag on a career that spanned decades. For the Navy community, few symbols carry as much weight as the blade by our side.

Whether you are an Officer retiring a sword or a Chief Petty Officer racking a cutlass, the steel represents authority, tradition, and the weight of the watch you are finally relinquishing.

Yet, too often, these symbols end up leaning in a dusty closet corner or mounted in a mass-produced shadow box that feels… hollow.

At our family workshop, we believe a career defined by excellence deserves a retirement gift defined by craftsmanship.

For the Wardrobe: The Officer’s Sword Display

For the retiring Commander or Captain, the sword is a reminder of commissioning, dress parades, and the burden of command. It shouldn't be hidden. We design our displays to turn the sword into a centerpiece—a conversation starter for the "forever home" office or den.

For the Mess: The Chief’s Cutlass Display

"Ask the Chief." It’s the phrase that runs the Navy. The Cutlass isn’t just ceremonial; it’s the mark of the Deckplate Leader. Our displays are built with that grit in mind—solid, substantial, and ready to hold the symbol of the CPO Mess with the dignity it earned.

Built by Hand, Not by Machines

In an era of "Prime" delivery and plastic components, we do things differently.

Master Craftsmanship: Every unit is built by our lead builder, Jim, who treats lumber prices and material selection with the seriousness of a structural engineer. We don’t cut corners on the wood just to save a few cents.

Precision Engraving: We know that after 20+ years of service, details matter. That’s why we hold our engraving to a "zero typo" standard, ensuring rank, name, and dates are flawless.

The Family Touch: We are a small, family-run operation. When your display is boxed, it’s not done by a robot in a fulfillment center. It’s packed by family members who know exactly whose career is being honored inside that box.

The Perfect "Group Gift"

We know the drill. The Wardrobe or the Mess is pooling money for the "Big Gift." You want something that will actually be kept, cherished, and displayed—not something that ends up at a garage sale in three years.

Our displays are designed for the "Top 10%" of the market—Retiring Senior Officers and Chiefs who appreciate something built to last.

Ready to honor the watch?

- The Blades Raised Team

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