Kingston Arms – Shell Guard Cutlass
In stock
$339.99
- Shipping estimated at checkout
- Every blade inspected before shipping
- 30-day returns
- Class
- Battle Ready
- Overall Length
- 30 1/4"
- Weight
- 2 lbs 10 oz
- Brand
- Kingston Arms
- Culture
- Pirate
Overview
Kingston Arms - Shell Guard Cutlass
The venerable cutlass was a mainstay of navies and pirates alike during the age of sail; compact for close-quarters fighting amidst the cluttered decks of a 17th or 18th century ship the wide blade with a thick spine was capable of powerful chops and hacks and would be found in the hands of pirates and naval boarding parties alike! Kingston Arms has recreated the Cutlass here in a classic Shell Guard form. It is well balanced and the blade is sharp and well-tempered 1566 high carbon steel. The blade has a weight-reducing fuller groove and the spine of the blade stays relatively thick right to the tip to give the blade plenty of stiffness and resilience whilst remaining agile and responsive.
The hilt is crafted from stainless steel with a slightly antiqued finish for flair. The shell guard gives ample protection to the hand and gives the sword great character without being excessive or ostentatious as befits a rough-and-ready weapon for the armories of the great sailing ships. A thumb ring opposite the shell guard gives options for greater control. Both the knuckleguard and shell guard leave plenty of room for the hand and the wooden grip which is bound in leather is a comfortable and secure handhold. It is surmounted by handwoven knotting of braided wire in a classic "Turks-Head" knot.
The sword is paired with a well crafted scabbard of wood with a tight leather wrap and matched antiqued stainless steel fittings with an integrated button on the locket to allow for it to be slung from a cutlass or saber frog attached to a sword belt or baldric.
Specifications
Every measurement that matters
- Brand
- Kingston Arms
- Culture
- Pirate
- Pommel
- Peened
- Overall Length
- 30 1/4"
- Blade Length
- 23 13/16"
- Weight
- 2 lbs 10 oz
- Edge
- Sharp
- P.O.B.
- 3"
- Thickness
- 6 mm - 2.5 mm
- Width
- 34.8 mm - 36.6 mm
- Grip Length
- 4 1/8"
- Class
- Battle Ready
- Country of Origin
- China
Reviews
What collectors are saying
Q&A
Questions from the community
Q What is the blade steel and edge? Common Question
1566 high carbon steel with a sharp edge.
Q How does it handle? Common Question
It is well balanced with a point of balance about 3 inches from the guard, giving a responsive, lively feel for close quarters cuts.
Q Is the hilt stainless and what finish does it have? Common Question
Yes, the shell guard, knuckle bow, and fittings are stainless steel with a slightly antiqued finish.
Q What grip construction does it use? Common Question
Wooden core bound in leather with braided wire Turk's-head knots at the ends; pommel is threaded.
Q Does it include a scabbard? Common Question
Yes, a wood-core scabbard with tight leather wrap and matching antiqued stainless fittings; the locket has an integrated button for a frog or baldric.
Q Is this suitable for cutting or reenactment? Common Question
Classed as battle ready and shipped sharp; suitable for responsible cutting practice and costuming. Always follow local rules and safety guidelines.
Q What are the key dimensions and weight? Common Question
Overall length 30 1/4 in, blade 23 13/16 in, grip 4 1/8 in, weight 2 lb 10 oz, blade width 34.8β36.6 mm, thickness 6β2.5 mm, POB ~3 in.
Q Where is it made? Common Question
Manufactured in China by Kingston Arms.
Q How should I maintain it? Common Question
Keep the carbon steel blade clean and lightly oiled; periodically check the threaded pommel for tightness and wipe the leather grip and scabbard dry after use.
Q What historical style does this represent? Common Question
A classic shell-guard naval cutlass evocative of 17thβ18th century pirate and naval boarding weapons.
The Maker
Kingston Arms
Travel back in time with Kingston Arm’s expertly crafted authentic and functional swords. They’ve perfected their designs with pristine attention to detail, available at an affordable price point. Crafted in collaboration with Angus Trim, these European swords are innovative, strong and stand the test of time.
Often paired together
Great sword. Looks and feels exactly how I would want it. Hilt construction seems sturdy. Came with good sharpness out of the box.
The sword is overall great quality. The blade comes with a decent edge, and holds an edge very well. It cuts exceptionally well. It is a balanced a bit far forward despite the relatively complex and heavy hilt and guard. The thumb ring on the left side of the hilt is sized far too large to be of any use to anyone with human sized hands. I simply took a hammer to the thumb ring from different angles to both move it closer in to the hilt, and adjust it slightly more upwards to the blade. After doing so it now looks more similar to actual historical thumb rings and does help add more control. In doing so the guard loosened, as would be expected. The pommel is threaded, so I simply tightened it until everything was once again tightly fitted. Overall I am satisfied with the sword. The only thing that kingston arms should consider is adjusting the thumb ring to be more usable out of the box.
Sharp and sturdy, but a bit blade heavy, though sometimes original cutlass’s were thick and heavy because they were used as tools as well. This short sword is excellent for defense.