Pirates of Malabar Coast in 17th to 19th c swords

RobT · 17th February 2026, 01:28 AM

Hi All,

Although their blade shapes vary widely, all of the short blade examples (in both threads) are basket hilted. Pirates are often a motley collection of individuals from various cultures so it isn’t surprising to find a variety of blade shapes represented. Especially when you consider that their arms may have been obtained on a catch as catch can basis. The length of the blade however is governed by its suitability for use aboard a ship. It may be that a basket hilt (whether Hindu or Indo/Moslem) was also considered preferable on board a ship for functional reasons. After all, the stereotypical Western cutlass has a basket hilt. There is nothing to say however, that a short but straight or khopesh blade wouldn’t work just as well aboard a ship as did the typical curved cutlass blade. Consider the naval officer’s dirk with its long straight blade.

Sincerely,
RobT

17th February 2026, 01:28 AM	#6
RobT Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 612	Features In Common: Short & Basket Hilted Hi All, Although their blade shapes vary widely, all of the short blade examples (in both threads) are basket hilted. Pirates are often a motley collection of individuals from various cultures so it isn’t surprising to find a variety of blade shapes represented. Especially when you consider that their arms may have been obtained on a catch as catch can basis. The length of the blade however is governed by its suitability for use aboard a ship. It may be that a basket hilt (whether Hindu or Indo/Moslem) was also considered preferable on board a ship for functional reasons. After all, the stereotypical Western cutlass has a basket hilt. There is nothing to say however, that a short but straight or khopesh blade wouldn’t work just as well aboard a ship as did the typical curved cutlass blade. Consider the naval officer’s dirk with its long straight blade. Sincerely, RobT