The cutlass is a short, broad, slightly curved sword with a solid hand guard, the sailor’s weapon, and the one that became shorthand for piracy.Short for a reasonIt was built for the deck of a ship, where rigging overhead and men shoulder to shoulder make a long blade useless. The same short heavy edge that fought boarding actions also cut rope and canvas, so it earned its place in a locker where nothing was carried twice.Ours are hand-forged from high-carbon steel with steel guards and wood or leather grips.Please check your local law before ordering.