Never Unarmed – Improved 1917 Cutlass – Left Handed

Please Note: This is the left handed version of this cutlass

The Never Unarmed Improved 1917 Cutlass is a modern reinterpretation of the historic U.S. Navy M1917 Cutlass, a weapon designed during World War I to replace the aging M1860 model. The original M1917, inspired by the Dutch Klewang, was a robust, single-edged blade with a clipped point and half-basket guard, intended for close-quarters naval combat. Lynn C. Thompson of Cold Steel fame, now through his company Never Unarmed has used his extensive martial arts knowledge and experience to enhance the design by replacing the original guard with a heavier steel plate featuring weight-reducing holes and rolled edges, improving durability and hand protection while maintaining the authentic 25-inch 1055 carbon steel blade which has been sharpened and well tempered. Like originals that were “japanned” for rust prevention at sea, the Never Unarmed 1917 Cutlass is blued throughout. Its hardwood handle is secured with rivets to make it a formidable self defense tool for modern collectors, martial artists and enthusiasts. By repurposing the 1917 Cutlass and updating it for the modern age, Lynn C. Thompson has succeeded at creating an excellent tactical and survival sword.

Robutly constructed, the Cutlass has a point of balance 6″ forward of the guard which is ideal for strong and decisive cuts and chops whilst not being so forward heavy as to become difficult to wield. The shorter blade of the cutlass allows for effective combat in close spaces and reduces the chances for entanglement with environmental clutter. It also allows for the blade to be thicker and more durable without becoming too heavy thanks to its shorter length. The clipped point of the tip is also surprisingly effective for thrust and puncturing.  The sword comes with a tough and thick leather scabbard with a blackened steel tip chape and a hanging belt loop mounted on a swivel rivet sword frog.