Pirate knives
The pirate knife was no mere accessory – it was both an indispensable tool and a weapon for close combat. On board a 17th- or 18th-century ship, the dirk, boot dagger and boarding knife hung from the belt or were tucked into the bootleg: always within reach, without getting in the way. Anyone putting together a credible pirate outfit needs the right blade – whether as an affordable prop for a carnival evening, as a steel dagger with a leather sheath for LARP and costume play, or as a historical companion dagger for ambitious re-enactments.
What is a pirate knife? Historical background
The term ‘pirate knife’ does not describe a strictly defined type of weapon, but is a collective term for the short blades carried by pirates and buccaneers during the Golden Age of Piracy – roughly 1650 to 1730. The most common types were the dirk (a slender, single-edged knife), the boarding knife (a short, broad blade for close-quarters combat) and the boot dagger, which could be discreetly and conveniently concealed in the boot shaft.
In everyday life on board, these knives served primarily as tools: cutting rope, mending sails, preparing meals. In combat, they were the secondary weapon – used when the sabre could no longer be employed or the space was too confined for a longer blade. Some buccaneers carried their dagger on a narrow leather belt, others simply tucked it into their boot. Both methods were historically common and are depicted in the range.
What weapons did pirates carry? Knives, sabres and grappling hooks
Boarding knife & dirk
Short, broad or slender blade – the pirate’s everyday companion. Worn on the belt or in the bootleg, used in close-quarters combat and as a universal tool on board.
Sabre / Cutlass
The pirate’s main weapon: light, sturdy, designed for close-quarters combat in confined spaces. Also known as a boarding knife in German, the cutlass was common on both merchant and warships.
Grappling hook
A metal hook attached to a rope or pole, used to pull an enemy ship closer and secure it – in preparation for boarding. The name derives directly from the act of forcibly boarding another ship.
In addition to blades, pirates also relied on ranged weapons: muskets and pistols were used prior to boarding to break resistance. Pistols were regarded as status symbols – some buccaneers carried several at once, as reloading during combat was too slow. As typical secondary weapons, ladies’ daggers and boot daggers complemented the arsenal: small, easily concealed, always at hand.
Product overview: From replicas to historical side daggers
- Pirate boarding knife replica – wooden version, visually convincing, robust enough for occasional use; ideal for carnival, themed parties and children’s events, from approx. €18
- Legally unobjectionable, no weight, no sheath required
- Made from wood – no metal, no restrictions under weapons legislation
- Ladies’ steel dagger with leather sheath – handy steel dagger for wearing on a belt, approx. €21
- Spring steel boot dagger – slender blade, wire grip, for boot shaft or narrow belt loop, approx. €21
- Rapier companion dagger, 16th century, with leather sheath – historical replica of a Renaissance weapon by Battle Merchant, suitable for early modern times and privateering, approx. €76
The manufacturers Battle Merchant and Lord of Battles are known in the reenactment sector for offering good value for money and reliable craftsmanship. Several models in the range come with a leather sheath – this protects the blade and makes it much easier to carry on a belt.
Complete pirate costume: what accessories are needed?
A convincing pirate look consists of several layers. The basis is formed by clothing and shoes: a loose-fitting pirate blouse or linen shirt, baggy trousers, a waistcoat and, if possible, boots or lace-up shoes. Added to this are accessories such as a wide leather belt, a shawl, a tricorn hat or bandana, and a belt pouch.
The knife or dagger is an inconspicuous yet effective detail: worn on the belt in a leather sheath or tucked into the boot leg, it completes the outfit without looking obtrusive. For events where metal is permitted, a genuine steel dagger with a leather sheath is the most authentic choice – for Faschings, carnivals or children’s events, a wooden replica works just as well. You’ll find matching additions in the pirate clothing, pirate shoes and pirate accessories sections.
Replica, steel dagger or re-enactment blade: which is best for the occasion?
For carnival evenings, themed parties or children’s events: the wooden cutlass replica looks the part, is legally straightforward and robust enough for occasional use. No sheath material, no weight – ready to use quickly and affordably.
A steel dagger with a leather sheath – a ladies’ dagger or boot dagger made of spring steel – adds real weight and a authentic feel to your costume. Suitable for events where steel in a sheath is permitted. Legal notice: Steel daggers with a cutting edge are subject to the Weapons Act – carrying them in public without a valid reason is not permitted. Always check with the event organisers in advance.
For historically accurate re-enactments of the 16th/17th centuries: the rapier companion dagger with leather scabbard is an authentic replica of a Renaissance weapon – fitting for the era of early privateering. High-quality materials, detailed craftsmanship, durable for regular use.
Wearing on the body: belt, boots and sheath
Short boot daggers were worn in a sheath holder directly in the boot shaft – discreet and within easy reach, without getting in the way whilst working on board. Belt daggers hung in a leather sheath, often on the left side, whilst the sabre was worn on the right. This arrangement was widespread in the early modern period and is documented in contemporary sources and pictorial representations of piracy.
The leather sheath protects the blade from moisture and knocks – no small matter on board a ship. In our range you will find both styles: the slim spring steel boot dagger for the boot shaft, as well as belt daggers with leather sheaths for comfortable carrying on a medieval belt. Those wishing to complete the overall look will find matching belt holders and dagger holders in the section for dagger belt holders and more.
Whether you’re putting together a quick costume for the next carnival evening or creating a historically accurate pirate outfit for LARP and re-enactment – the right blade makes all the difference. Browse through our range and find the pirate knife that suits your character and intended use.
Frequently asked questions
A pirate knife is not a strictly defined type of weapon, but rather a collective term for the short blades carried by pirates and buccaneers in the 17th and 18th centuries. Typical variants include the dirk (a slender, single-edged knife), the boarding knife (a short, broad close-combat blade) and the boot dagger. On board, these knives served primarily as everyday tools – for cutting rope, preparing food – and were only secondarily used as weapons.
The classic pirate weapon is the cutlass – a short, slightly curved sabre with a single-edged blade, also known in German as an ‘Entermesser’ or ‘Säbel’. The cutlass was particularly common on merchant ships because it was easy to handle in the confined spaces of a ship. A short dagger or a dirk served as a secondary weapon.
A grappling hook is a metal hook attached to a rope or pole, which was used to pull an enemy ship closer and secure it – in preparation for boarding. The term derives directly from the act of boarding: the violent ascent and capture of a foreign ship. Contrary to popular belief, the grappling hook was primarily used as a boat hook for mooring ships, not as a throwing anchor.
Replicas made of wood or plastic, as well as blunt decorative blades, are legally unobjectionable and perfectly suitable for costume events. Functional steel daggers with a cutting edge are subject to the German Weapons Act – carrying them in public without a valid reason is not permitted. At LARP and medieval events, individual regulations set by the respective organiser also apply, which should be checked in advance. A pirate costume as such is, of course, not legally problematic.
Both were common historically. Short boot daggers were carried in a sheath mounted directly on the boot shaft – discreet and within easy reach. Longer daggers hung in a leather sheath on the belt, often on the left side, whilst the sabre was worn on the right. Both variants are available in our range: boot daggers made of spring steel and belt daggers with leather sheaths.