Pirate sword
The pirate sword is far more than just a film prop – the term encompasses a range of historically developed weapon types that were carried by real buccaneers, privateers and marines from the 16th to the 18th century. From slender rapiers and curved boarding knives to the distinctive basket-hilted rapier: anyone looking to buy a pirate sword will find hand-forged replicas and sturdy training weapons here, priced from €13 to €134.
What is a pirate’s sword called? Terms and historical weapon types
“What is a pirate’s sword called?” is a question that cannot be answered with a single term. The modern term ‘pirate sword’ is a collective term without historical precision – in fact, privateers and corsairs used very different weapons depending on their rank, origin and availability.
Four types were particularly common during the Golden Age of Piracy:
- Cutlass: A short, single-edged slashing weapon with a slightly curved or straight blade, designed for close combat on board. The cutlass – known in English as the ‘naval cutlass’ – was the standard weapon of ordinary sailors and privateers. When asked ‘What is a pirate’s sword called?’, ‘cutlass’ is the correct answer in most historical contexts.
- Sabre: Slightly longer than the cutlass, with a more strongly curved blade and a centre of gravity clearly towards the tip of the blade. Ideal for slashing, widely used in privateering during the 17th and 18th centuries.
- Rapier: A slender, double-edged thrusting weapon with a long, straight blade. Rapiers of the 16th and 17th centuries were the weapon of choice for privateer captains and officers – more elegant, but also more demanding to handle.
- Cage rapier: A variant of the rapier featuring a cage- or stirrup-shaped guard to protect the hand. The cage guard is a characteristic feature of many depictions of captains from the pirate era and provided effective protection for the sword-wielding hand.
- Epee: The slimmer civilian weapon of the 17th and 18th centuries, carried by officers and frigate captains as a symbol of status – for example, as a ceremonial epee with a spring steel blade and brass fittings.
In short: depending on the type, the pirate sword is known as a boarding knife, basket hilt, sabre, rapier or degen – and each of these weapons has its own history and use in naval warfare and on the trade routes.
Why boarding knives and sabres – and not long swords?
Anyone who has ever stood on a historic ship will immediately understand why long two-handed swords played no part on board. Space is tight amongst the rigging, masts, stairways and gun decks – a long thrust is simply not feasible when there is a railing behind you and a group of sailors taking cover in front of you.
Boarding knives and sabres became the norm for several practical reasons:
- One-handed use: The free hand could simultaneously hold onto the rigging, draw a pistol or brace oneself against the deck.
- Short blade length: Blades between 50 and 75 cm in length were manageable in confined spaces without endangering fellow crew members.
- Curved blade for slashing: Against lightly armoured or unarmoured opponents – the norm on merchant ships – a powerful slash was more effective than a precise thrust.
- Durability: Cutlasses were regarded as reliable working weapons that could withstand salty air, damp conditions and rough handling.
Boarding cutlasses are historically documented in the navies of England, France, Spain and the Netherlands from the 16th century onwards. In the 18th century, they were issued as standard issue by numerous naval forces – such as the US Navy Cutlass M1860, which was still in use during the Civil War.
An overview of pirate sword types: from the rapier to the wooden sword
Rapier & Renaissance rapier
Slim carbon steel blades, hand-forged, with a curved guard or simple crossguard. Authentic replicas based on historical models – the classic weaponry of privateer captains and officers. From Battle Merchant, some available with a leather scabbard.
Basket-hilt rapier
The most characteristic sword of the pirate era: broad blade, wire-wrapped hilt and a distinctive basket-weave guard for hand protection. Inspired by original finds; models by Battle Merchant and Lord of Battles. Ideal for re-enactments and elaborate costumes.
Fencing swords & wooden swords
The ceremonial sword with a spring steel blade and brass elements represents 18th-century officer’s armament – more dignified than the rapier, perfect for portraying a frigate captain. Also available: simple wooden swords for practice and children from €13, safe and sturdy for first pirate adventures.
Buying a pirate sword: Which model suits which purpose?
Choosing the right pirate sword depends on what you want to use it for. How much does a good sword cost – and how much does a genuine one cost? That depends heavily on the material, craftsmanship and intended use. Here is a structured overview:
Wooden swords and practice swords – ideal for children, craft projects and first show-fighting exercises. No metal parts, no risk of cuts, sturdy enough for everyday use. Pirate wooden swords start from around €13 and are excellent as a first pirate accessory or addition to a children’s costume.
Hand-forged rapiers for collectors, pirate costumes and exhibition fencing. Battle Merchant’s 17th-century rapiers feature high-quality carbon steel blades – not cheap showroom steel. From around €59, you get a sword suitable for both re-enactment and exhibition. This is the price range where a ‘real sword’ as a replica begins.
Basket-hilt rapiers and Renaissance rapiers with leather scabbards for more sophisticated reenactments. Manufacturers such as Battle Merchant and Lord of Battles supply pieces based on historical finds – with wire-wrapped handles, curved guards and matching crossguards. If you’re looking for a really good sword for markets and reenactment events, you’re in good hands in this price range.
Materials and workmanship: What to look out for when buying
| Feature | Option A | Option B | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steel | Carbon steel | Spring steel | Carbon steel: harder, sharper, requires more maintenance. Spring steel: more flexible, more robust, retains its edge less well – good for parrying |
| Handle | Wire-wrapped | Wooden handle / cast handle | Wire wrapping offers a better grip in wet conditions; cast handles allow for greater detail with less maintenance |
| Guard | Basket-shaped guard | Cross-guard / curved cross-guard | Basket hilt protects the sword hand; cross hilt has a simpler appearance, sufficient for simpler depictions |
| Sheath | Leather scabbard incl. | Without scabbard | Historically, a leather scabbard is a useful accessory for transport, comfort and presentation; included with some models |
| Material of practice weapon | Wood | – | LARP wooden swords for safe practice with children or as a decorative element; no metal parts |
Legal information: What you need to know about carrying and transporting
Metal swords – including blunt replicas without a cutting edge – are classified as weapons under German law. This means: They may not be carried at public events such as carnivals, town festivals or carnival parades unless there is a legitimate reason to do so. If you want to complete your pirate costume at a public festival, it’s better to opt for a wooden sword or a LARP foam weapon – both can be carried without issue and look the part.
At private re-enactment events and private markets, specific rules apply, which are set by the respective organiser. If in doubt, check directly with the organiser in advance – most re-enactment communities have clear weapon regulations that permit metal replicas under certain conditions. For safe transport, a scabbard and a locked container in the vehicle are generally recommended.
Whether you’re looking for a historically authentic basket-hilted rapier for your re-enactment, a sturdy hand-forged rapier for your pirate costume, or a robust wooden sword for the little ones – browse through our range and find the pirate sword that suits your look.
Frequently asked questions
Historical pirates used various types of weapons; there was no single ‘pirate sword’ type. The cutlass – known as a naval cutlass in English – was the actual standard weapon of ordinary sailors: a short, single-edged slashing weapon with a slightly curved blade, specially designed for close-quarters combat on board. Officers and privateer captains, on the other hand, carried rapiers, basket-hilted rapiers or swords as status symbols.
Hand-forged rapiers as authentic replicas are available from around €59. Basket-hilted rapiers and Renaissance rapiers with leather scabbards range from €117 to €134. 18th-century ceremonial swords with spring steel blades cost around €84 in the mid-price range. Genuine historical originals from the 17th or 18th century can be found at auctions for several thousand euros – for re-enactment and historical performance, high-quality replicas are the more practical choice.
During the Golden Age of Piracy (c. 1650–1730), boarding knives and cutlasses were the most common close-combat weapons of ordinary sailors and privateers. Privateer captains and officers preferred to carry rapiers or basket-hilted rapiers – more elegant weapons that also served as status symbols. Long swords or two-handed weapons were impractical on board due to the limited space.
In Germany, metal swords – including blunt replicas – are subject to the Weapons Act. Carrying them at public events such as carnivals, carnival parades or town festivals is prohibited without a valid reason. For such events, wooden swords or LARP foam weapons are recommended, as they pose no legal issues. Private re-enactment events have their own rules – check with the organiser in advance.
A rapier is a slender, double-edged thrusting weapon with a long, straight blade and a simple crossguard or curved guard to protect the hand. The basket-hilted rapier is a variant in which the guard is extended into a basket- or bow-shaped structure that fully protects the sword hand. Basket-hilted rapiers are characteristic of the pirate and Renaissance eras and were particularly popular with captains and officers.