| Cutlass | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | Sword (short sabre, single-edged) |
| Place of origin | Europe |
| Service history | |
| In service | 17th, 18th, 19th, and early 20th century |
| Used by | Sailors, pirates, and privateers |
| Specifications | |
| Length | 28 to 32 in (71 to 81 cm) (leadcutter cutlasses were up to 36 in (91 cm) in length). |
| Blade type | Single-edged |
| Hilt type | Cup hilted guards, half-basket cup guards, and branch guards were commonly seen with cylindrical hilts and wire-wrapped hilts which are common and found on most cutlasses. |
A cutlass is a short, broad sabre or slashing sword, with a straight or slightly curved blade sharpened on the cutting edge, and a hilt often featuring a solid cupped or basket-shaped guard. It was a common naval weapon during the early Age of Sail.