Cutlass
Cutlass | |
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Information | |
Weapon type: | saber |
Designations: | Cutlass, cutlass, marine saber |
Use: | military weapon |
Creation time: | 16th Century |
Working time: | 16th to 19th century |
Region of origin / author: |
England , Royal Navy |
Distribution: | worldwide |
Overall length: | approx. 82 cm, variable |
Blade length: | approx. 68 cm, variable |
Blade width: | approx. 3.5 cm, variable |
Weight: | approx. 1500 g |
Handle: | Wood, horn, bone, metal, ivory |
Particularities: | different versions, blade shapes and basket versions vary |
Lists on the subject |
A cutlass or cutlass is usually a long navy knife with a wide blade .
Cutlass became known as the preferred melee weapon at sea from the 16th century. The cutlass was probably first developed by the English Royal Navy , who were looking for a weapon that could be used in close combat as well as in defense against boarding attacks. In addition to the cutlass , the cutlass quickly established itself. It was used by many nations as the standard armament for sailors.
Cutlass came in different designs: Slightly curved or straight, with or without hand protection. What they all had in common was that cutlass knives were usually very inexpensive because inexpensive steel was used to make them.
use
The cutlass was the universal weapon in close combat at sea, as it was an advantage in close hand-to-hand combat in the confined space of ships with its short and stable blade.
The machete , a thick, very top-heavy knife, which is ideally suited for cutting sugar cane or clearing dense vegetation , was later developed from the cutlass as a tool .
literature
- Eduard Wagner: cutting and stabbing weapons. 2nd Edition. Werner Dausien Verlag, Hanau 1985, ISBN 978-3-7684-1598-9 .