Favored by pirates of old, cutlasses and pistols were the weapons of choice for battles on the high seas. The shorter blade of the cutlass made close-quarters combat quicker and more efficient. Varying in style and complexity, the cutlass was as much a symbol of pirate power and terror as the colors they flew.
Kingston Arms proudly presents a legendary rendition that sets a new standard in the sword market: the Shell Guard Cutlass. Perfectly balanced in the hand, its 23 3/4” blade excels at both cutting and thrusting. A robust 15 1/2” fuller runs down both sides of the blade, enhancing its strength and reducing weight. The stainless-steel shell guard provides hand protection with a simple yet elegant design, stylish without being ostentatious. Opposite the shell guard, a smaller thumb guard mirrors the larger design and flows seamlessly into the 4 1/4” leather-wrapped grip, accented with wire-wrapped ends. The stainless-steel pommel, buttoned for durability, is ideal for utility—or even skull-cracking when the need arises! Weighing just over two pounds, this cutlass is light enough for agile movement without sacrificing power.
Edward Teach, better known as Blackbeard, was a privateer turned pirate whose infamous career spanned just two years, ending with his death in 1718 at the hands of the Royal Navy. He was legendary for wielding an array of weapons, including the essential pirate cutlass. While exact details of his sword are unknown, it was likely short-bladed and weight-forward cutlass. A shell guard hilt features prominently in one of our favorite illustrations of Blackbeard in battle dress, inspiring our design of the Shell Guard Cutlass as a tribute to the golden age of piracy.
The scabbard is wrapped in black leather and finished with a stainless-steel chape and locket. The locket features a button for attaching to a sword belt. Perfectly balanced and eloquently designed, this cutlass is ideal for swashbuckling adventures and pirating prowess. We like to think this one would have graced Blackbeard's hand, and now it can grace yours.