The Cutlass: More Than a Pirate’s Blade

Trueswords21 Jan, 2026Business

The cutlass holds a distinctive place in the history of close-quarters combat, particularly in maritime culture. While its image is often tied to pirates and naval boarding actions, the story of the cutlass spans several centuries and crosses multiple military traditions. To understand why the cutlass sword became so iconic and why it differs so markedly from other swords, it’s important to explore both its origins and its evolving purpose.