Pirate Swords and Daggers

Pirate Swords

While flintlocks and blunderbusses might misfire or fail to go off, there is no such danger with a trusty pirate sword or dagger! We carry fantastic pirate cutlasses, pirate sabers, and pirate daggers inspired by those wielded during the Golden Age of Piracy.

Our decorative and functional swords include boarding sabers, companion swords, pirate hangers, and other swashbuckler blades. Our buccaneer cutlasses often feature straight or slightly curved blades and cupped or basket-shaped guards.

Pirate blades were often used for intimidation as well as combat. When it came to close combat, pirate daggers were a necessity. Our buccaneer daggers and captain’s daggers, with their high-quality constructions and eye-catching details, will suit collectors and reenactors alike.

Our pirate weaponry and daggers collection is great for reenactments, stage productions, displays, and more–check out our pages for a quick shop, or contact us for more specific requests!

Frequently Asked Questions

Who were pirates, really?

The term “pirates” broadly encompasses numerous groups whose distinctions are sometimes blurred.

• Privateers were like private navies commissioned by governments to raid enemy ships. Their reward was a percentage from the looted cargo. During the War of 1812, the Americans used privateering as a critical strategy against the United Kingdom.
• Buccaneers operated in the Caribbean Sea (the “pirates of the Caribbean”) and targeted galleons with their hauls of gold, spices, and other treasures heading to Spain.
• Corsairs considered the Mediterranean Sea their turf and raided ships and settlements in North Africa. Check out the brass saber of Hayreddin Barbarossa (Red Beard).

What is a pirate’s sword called?

Cutlasses, or short swords with a single edge and a basket-shaped guard, have been associated with sailors and pirates. This type of sword is the quintessential “pirate sword.”

Historical accounts and books have documented how pirates used cutlasses. Edward Teach, also known as Blackbeard, a leading figure in the Golden Age of Piracy, and his crew were seen with this pirate sword variant. Check out our replica of the decorative Blackbeard pirate cutlass.

Why did pirates use cutlasses?

The pirate cutlass was their weapon of choice for hand-to-hand fights. With its short blade, the pirate cutlass made slashing easier in a tight space like the ship deck. Unlike other pirate weapons, the cutlass also did not require specialized training.

When not used in combat, the sword was an all-around implement. In the Caribbean, the cutlass refers to a machete used for agricultural purposes.

What kind of swords did pirates use? 

Popular culture depicts pirates as skilled in crossing swords. They used rapiers, sabers, scimitars, and other swords they could get their hands on. Knives, machetes, daggers, axes, and pikes also featured heavily in combat.

How long is a pirate sword?

The standard length of a pirate cutlass is approximately 70 centimeters or two feet. Its weight is around two pounds.

Check out our collection of pirate swords on this page. Go get a quick shop for a battle-ready weapon, a decorative sword with a steel blade, or a historical sword’s quality replica.