Cold Steel "Pirate" Cutlass: Initial Review and Modding 

I reckon it should be said aloud; this is a FUN piece. It has absolutely nothing to do with historical accuracy. The mythology of Pirates is cool and universally beloved. "Pirate" is a generic term for a very diverse group of people. A "pirate sword" is whatever they could get their hands on. And this would be a VERY sought after piece of loot back in the day. Especially after your personal touches. 🤤 Great find, Sir.

This is almost completely identical to Del Tin's German Dussack based on Wallace Collection number A715. Maybe Cold Steel asked Windlass to reproduce that design, as Windlass and Del Tin used to both have association with Museum Replica. This design has some minor modification from the Del Tin one, seems to have removed a finger ring, but added an additional swept bar to make the hilt symmetrical. Yes, the Del Tin model also weigh 3.3-3.5 lbs, very overweight.Taking an existing design by another brand and modify it to be in its own catalog is a very typical Cold Steel practice. The original weighs only 1225g, so both Del Tin and Windlass here are WAY off.

It’s worth saying that cutlass, hanger and a lot of other sword classifications of the time were more descriptive than prescribed, in Germany it probably would’ve been called a dussack or some variation or spelling of that word, but in English it would have just been called a cutlass or hanger or both, mostly being defined by its relatively short length and choppiness, leading to it being especially favoured for the cramped fighting that took place on ships

This is a brand new sword for Cold Steel.GSM has not done any promo on it. I designed this Cutlass 2 years ago for cold steel when i was in charge of their sword division. I designed this sword w the idea of having a pirate cutlass in the vein of much of the mythology surrounding cutlasses. This is not referencing any historical piece but it terms of a great asset to someones pirate captain impression, I feel it feels a niche that has always been empty. Your critique seems a bit unreasonale. I have No Idea what you expect from a 300.+ sword that comes w a scabbard. I'm going to assume your knowledge of what it takes to manufacture a commercial sword from begining to end might be fairly limited. If you have specific questions about the sword feel free to ask me.

Cheers Michael. Nice blade. Great for close quarters. My hanger is slender by comparison, more Sabre like, with a simple D guard hilt. Great choice Sir, cold steel did a good job. Slan☘️

that thing is wicked!

Very nice. I have been looking at their basket hilt cutlass for a while now.

Michael, I've purchased one of these, but I have not received it yet. I was skeptical about its construction vs. aesthetics. But your review convinced me to take a chance on it.

Wow @Michael Rizzo it's a fine piece! I bet those sabre cuts feel great. Find myself tempted LOL

Your Pirate Cutlass is Awesome!!!

A katzbalger for the high seas!

Something sort of similar to the Sinclaire hilt it would appear. Looks pretty nice. It is rather hefty for its size, mostly b/c of how heavy that extra protection adds toward the hand. Though I suspect along w/ distal taper it probably helps it to handle pretty good. A little work & it could be a really good sword. Plus it rings like a bell when you hit it so its solid. At least for now. I suppose we will see once it hits a few more targets. Lol

I wonder if you could review a Kyu Gunto because I am just interested.

The blade look really " large " .. definitevely ...older than " Pirate era " ...

it can be either described as a Cutless or a dussack depending on where it was used or carried

saber in one hand cutlass in the other sweet

Cheers Michael. By the way, you mentioned dusack and falchion swords. I think the cutlass is of Falchion origin. They are optimal for cutting rope, canvas, etc. On a ship. Were as my cutlass I believe is military issue, mid 18 hundreds. Never owned a cold steel product, but have watched them for years, hit and miss depending on the owner. You Sir have a definite hit. I've been considering a spadroon. Take care and till next time. ☘️

I've always loved the look of wide bladed basket hilted cutlasses.

Cool

Thank you for this review. I have been looking for a practical cutting cutlass for my pirate and Renaissance immersion. Are the steps you mentioned detailed enough for me to get my blade where yours ends up? I don't have the skills or tools to do it myself but want to have a blacksmith or professional sharpener do the work for me. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you