Red Dragon – Synthetic Cutlass Sparring Sword

Dependable, Durable and affordable – the Red Dragon Cutlass is a great choice for an impact nylon trainer for western martial arts and sparring. Built as a versatile practice tool, it works well for drills and pell work much like a traditional wooden waster, while also being suitable for controlled sparring when appropriate protective gear is worn. The blade is engineered to flex in the final third toward the tip, allowing for safer thrusting without the overly soft or “whippy” sensation common in many synthetic trainers. For added strength, the blade-to-tang connection—often a weak point on plastic practice swords—is reinforced with a steel rod that runs the entire length of the grip. This reinforcement also eliminates the handle flex often found in polymer trainers, giving the weapon a firmer and more realistic feel.

The guard is molded from tough nylon and fitted with rounded, ball-shaped quillons designed to improve safety during sparring. Their broader, smooth surfaces help reduce the chance of puncture injuries during contact. The slide-on grip is made from a thermoplastic elastomer that closely mimics the feel of leather wrapped over wood. It offers excellent shock absorption while maintaining a secure, responsive grip without feeling overly soft. The pommel is also made from nylon, contributing to the sword’s balance while making pommel strikes safer than those delivered with metal fittings. Inside the pommel, a molded brass nut ensures a tight metal-to-metal connection with the tang.

For convenience, the sword can be quickly taken apart by unscrewing the pommel, making transport and storage easy.  These training swords weigh roughly two-thirds as much as a comparable steel weapon, helping to reduce the force of impacts during sparring. Much of the mass is concentrated closer to the hilt, further softening strikes while maintaining good balance. The result is a trainer that feels solid and substantial—heavier and more realistic than most wooden wasters—while still emphasizing safety and durability.