Pirates greatly appreciated the cutlass for its effectiveness in close combat. Because of its relatively compact dimensions, a cutlass could do quite a bit of damage in the close quarters of a ship's hold, while a strong cut with its broad blade could even sever the mighty ropes of a ship. Sometimes the classic cutlass was made with an openwork hilt for ventilation plus hand protection, but the single-edged, wide, curved blade with a distinctive yelman is characteristic of all cutlasses. The grip is wrapped with leather and the rounded pommel is riveted. The accompanying scabbard has a mount and chape made of steel.
Specifications
Total length: 79 cm
Blade length: 63 cm
Grip length: 9 cm
Weight: 1.43 kg
Blade thickness (base): 4.3 mm
Blade thickness (CoP): 4.3 mm
Blade width (base): 5.1 cm
Blade width (CoP): 4.7 cm
Point of Balance (PoB): 9 cm
Center of Percussion (CoP): 26 cm