Why does this RARE CUTLASS have TWO cutting EDGES?

[@scholagladiatoria]

Get 20% OFF + Free International Shipping @Manscaped with code SCHOLA at manscaped.com/schola #manscapedpartner

[@Aconitum_napellus]

Cos it's a dangerous zombie knife and must be destroyed!

[@Shozb0t]

I have a Manscaped beard trimmer. Quite excellent.

[@glowstickofdestiny1290]

A double-edged cutlass? The fabled Cutmore?!

[@aukword6255]

Ya beat me to it!😂

[@canidsong]

@@aukword6255 and me. that's what I get for sleeping in on my day off.

[@johnstuartkeller5244]

Cutmor ... a great Scottish shortsword?

[@aukword6255]

@@canidsong yeah, sucks to have free time, don't it?

[@aukword6255]

@@johnstuartkeller5244 Could almost be a Scottish Shortbread too.🤤

[@maciek19882]

Because it's a cut-cutlass

[@MyFaithShines]

Its cutmore

[@peterwolf4230]

"quick video" 21 mins long lol

[@johnnivek9653]

That's one of the many reasons we love Matt.

[@FrothingFoulness]

Rambling nerds are a key pillar of humanity

[@ChloeAnderson-s2n]

It's evident that you pay attention to quality and carefully approach the creation of each video. It's valuable for the audience.👆 @ ⌚️'

[@markkodryk829]

It’s for edgy navy officers.

[@beepboop204]

i heard to drum noises in my head after i read your comment

[@Naptosis]

@@beepboop204 Ba-dum-tss. _I'm in your heaaaad..._ 😱

[@farkasmactavish]

My two guesses: 1) better thrusts, because closed spaces 2) better close-quarters cuts, because false edges are good for those

[@beepboop204]

"our cutlasses are sharper! they have twice the sharp edges. THATS TWICE THE SHARPNESS"

[@Naptosis]

@@beepboop204 I'm imagining sailors in the crow's nest, shít-taIking enemy ships using semaphore, like they're in a modern CoD lobby. 😂

[@farkasmactavish]

9:32 Ahh, so better penetration AND better pullout game!

[@TheScoundrel70]

Oh, I see what you did there!😁

[@beepboop204]

you win the comment section, good sir

[@Naptosis]

That's why some swords just have a sharpened tip; _for religious reasons._

[@WhatIfBrigade]

To me one of the best reasons to use this design is single edged swords were standard aboard ships all over the world and so using unique double edged swords your enemies are going encounter techniques they have never seen from a cutlass. Particularly those clinch techniques like the neck or leg are going to be a nasty surprise to opponents who didn't know you could do that. Even sitting at home watching KZbin it isn't immediately apparent that is a double edged cutlass. In battle opponents almost certainly won't realize it is different until too late.

[@SympatheticStrawman]

Because they couldn't fit 3 cutting edges on it

[@beepboop204]

double cutting edge, extra cutting edge!?!?!?!

[@JuaneDosesII-wj6dd]

There are three edged triangular bayonets, and they are illegal in many US states

[@beepboop204]

@@JuaneDosesII-wj6dd how many edges are too many edges???????? seems like 4.

[@Naptosis]

@@JuaneDosesII-wj6dd I imagine 🔻 shaped injuries caused by such a design would be more complicated to suture when seconds matter. Is that why they're restricted?

[@stephens2241]

I love the Scots officer theory. That is something I can absolutely see a Scots officer doing. Something to show off to his fellow officers.

[@jeremiahkindel9301]

John Paul Jones comes to mind. Obviously, the cutlass Matt is showing is later than Jones. But Scottish naval officer who used very aggressive tactic.

[@brutusblackbane2821]

Before watching this video my prediction is: “because they can”

[@pseudomonad]

How certain can we be that it was manufactured like that and not a post-manufacture modification by someone with a grindstone and a lot of patience? Obv even if that were the case, your questions are still relevant, someone clearly thought it would be a good idea to have a double-edged cutlass.

[@scholagladiatoria]

This one was definitely made with two edges and it's from a rare grouping that we don't know the background of.

[@svesnimajmun2731]

because of the blade shape, it wouln't be strong anymoe

[@Naptosis]

As Sves replied; if it was originally designed and made with a triangular cross-section (with as little material as necessary for the sword to be functional in battle), then grinding away additional material to create a second edge all the way down (forming a diamond cross-section), would decrease the strength of the sword, possibly causing it to snap in the heat of combat. It may have been done, but that's one caveat I imagine, to removing material 'aftermarket' instead of including it in the original design.

[@konstantin.v]

@@Naptosis , grinding away the back of the blade would also shift the center of mass of the blade somewhat towards the original edge. I'm not sure if it matters much, though 🙂

[@joshpearson1870]

in close quarters with lightly clothed sailors, I would think that double edged blades would make draw and push cutting more effective in the grapple /press. ah, and he points that out just after I posted.

[@Naptosis]

Are you going to copyright claim his video? 😋

[@mrfitz96]

Not necessarily from a naval vessel. Even merchant ships carried arms in the 18th & 19th century.

[@beepboop204]

arent merchant ships also naval vessels? if im too high, i appologize

[@fatman4792]

we gon see one in the windlass royal armouries?

[@vicnighthorse]

I would have guessed "because someone paid them to".

[@beepboop204]

i would have guessed "because its more billable hours" 😉

[@allengordon6929]

because he thought it was cool?

[@beepboop204]

beer + wanting to be cool = many of lifes innovations

[@DGFTardin]

Today I noticed Matt Easton is bald!

[@Blindy_Sama]

I would love to see a decent recreation of one of these at a reasonable price point That would be cool

[@kleinjahr]

Obviously a ship’s engineer blade, because every one knows Scotty.

[@TheScoundrel70]

For a close, CLOSE shave, every time.

[@MyFaithShines]

Cuz its cutmore

[@davidroetzel5500]

The Navy liked blades ? Water makes gunpowder useless.

[@chrismorgan1336]

....or a land based sword, with a cutlass hilt?

[@deniskozlowski9370]

A shortage of cutlass models and a surplus of old artillery or infantry blades. Just modify the hilts. Problem solved , cheaply.

[@beepboop204]

maybe the new guy was overly eager to practice his sharpening skills 😉😉

[@johnfisk811]

I think I can see traces of black paint on the bowl? That suggests a naval or at least seagoing origin. A Royal Navy Captain did not, in the 19th century, order his own cutlasses. He got the standard issue for his vessel in Pattern weapons. The Royal Navy saw the cutlass as both a weapon but also as a tool for cutting through ropes etc. in a hurry and backed it up with the boarding axe for the heavier such tasks. However, civilian vessels could order whatever the wanted to and the Royal Navy 1845 Pattern hilt is one the maker effectively could take off the shelf, it is proofed against sea air with the cast iron hilt and black paint so I suspect this is a cutlass pattern for a civilian vessel sailing in waters where they could expect to be attacked or to be attacking themselves. As the why the double edge it is the experience or whim of the person placing the order. The Captain or the owners. I might add that the Naval picture of hand weapon engagement is in terms of a naval boat party so is an equivalent to an army large section or small platoon which is beyond re supply of ammunition so relies upon continuous joint aggression to overwhelming and intimidate opponents. Hard rough men prepared to do violence and keep on doing it. The boarding pike is well named as a defensive weapon to be used in a joint action to deny deck space to a boarding enemy. The cutlass is the offensive weapon to engage with the enemy on the enemy’s vessel and drive them back and dominate them until they surrender or are incapacitated. The double edged cutlass here strikes me as a cheap and sturdy personal defensive weapon for the civilian ship’s crew to carry about with them as they carry out their tasks ashore and also function as a normal cutlass in a ship action at sea.

[@soupordave]

I love the idea of this being a Scottish crew so of course they are going to have claymore style blades for their cutlasses.

[@Csatadi]

The single edged sword is one cut less than the double edged.

[@polymathart]

Also can you discuss using a sidesword in two hands? Some later hand and a half swords had hilts comparable to rapiers and side swords, but the grip length allowed for two hands. Something like the Swiss saber.

[@finn4928]

How much does that double edged cutlass weigh and how long is it exactly ?

[@KnjazNazrath]

29.5" according to its listing on his website. Weight isn't mentioned though.

[@stephend50]

Scottish Highlander Navy

[@janrobertbos]

...must have been Horatio Hornblower...😁

[@adamkilroe9840]

When grappling, the back edge can be used for draw cuts around the back of the opponent, especially for the back of the head, the back, buttocks, kidneys/floating ribs, back of the neck, trapezius and the triceps of the arms.

[@artawhirler]

I think you may have just found the "Perfect Sword" here, Matt!

[@NiT-e2t]

Already sold. I like it. Would be good to get an approx, cost for reference

[@johnmarken3945]

A sword for brawlers! Yes. My every day carry pig sticker is double edged for same.

[@carlcramer9269]

It could be an English officer having witnessed the effectiveness of the Claymore blade, but didn't want to pretend to be a Scot. So they ordered a blade that looks like a cutlass but works like a claymore.

[@JuaneDosesII-wj6dd]

Ships are very cramped, so the weapons are probably adapted to that.

[@darraghchapman]

Another point in favour of it favouring the point is the change in grind. Looks like it goes from a lenticular grind until just past the c.o.p., then shifts to diamond section. More beef on the spine would stiffen up the point I reckon.

[@NicholasproclaimerofMessiah]

I thought false edges are mostly for the sake of improving thrust penetration. Is this correct? [EDIT: You answered it in the vid. Thanks.]

[@atrior7290]

Also seeing how you gripped that flat back sword at 15:49 , if your oponent tried to pull it fast it would cut the inside of your hand but the muscles that allow your fingers to grip the back of the sword are in your forearm, so you wouldn't necessarly let go of the sword even with your palm badly cut if the tendons are not severed considering the adrenaline of a close in brawl with edged weapons. A 2 edged sword on the other hand would cut at your fingers and make you release it instantly.

[@valterslacis614]

Probably not much to doo on ship, and one bored sailor had an idea “One edge good, two edges better!”

[@lefunnyN1]

so a broadsword?

[@edstringer1138]

Why would other Cutlasses only have one edge is the question

[@scholagladiatoria]

Maybe something for another vid ☺️

[@edstringer1138]

@@scholagladiatoria that would be interesting . Other than the fancy basket hilt not being as useful for a back swing I honestly don't know why both side wouldn't have a edge . Thanks for the reply

[@WhatIfBrigade]

In close I really like to put my other hand on the back of the blade. In a tight space, such as aboard a ship, half swording can be important and it is more confortable with one edge.

[@rickymherbert2899]

I'm going with your thrusting option Matt due to the confines of shipboard fighting. 👍

[@jeremiahkindel9301]

I agree but also to Matt's point of over the top cuts would be effective. Especially in the crush of a melee on a fair weather deck.

[@cptamazingone]

Love the 1845 cutlass. Zombie apocalypse sword of choice.

[@n0tthemessiah]

lol Dome Shaver LMAO Dome SOOTHER

[@ihcfn]

Before watching, my question is why wouldn't they?

[@lornemcneil]

Logically it must be counter combative in some way

[@TheLordArion]

Guessing some smiths weren’t from Hammerfell

[@jenkinsonian]

Or it could be the Victorian equivalent to the purchaser wanting the most tacticool items.

[@watcherspirit2351]

It has two edges because two might come in handy.

[@billhsu6349]

Someone long time ago: "I gonna try something unpopular just to confuse future archaeologists."

[@nevyngould1744]

Stabby McStabby's Stabby stabber

[@tomroberts2764]

Bricks vs sword who would win?

[@MasterPoucksBestMan]

I'm still waiting on a Matt Easton/Windlass collab on a repro of the 1845 Naval Cutlass, curved please.... :D

[@JohnGilbert-l5l]

Did the Scottish manual of arms for the broadsword include back cuts and raking cuts in the clinch ? Maybe that’s why Scottish sailors wanted double edged cutlasses.

[@battlereed4708]

That thing looks like it handles like a gem!

[@MajorHavoc214]

I can imagine a very happy Neval/Marine Ensign happily welding a double edged cutlass. 😁

[@peterchristiansen9695]

I personally don’t find this double edged cutlass offensive at all! 😁

[@kaoskronostyche9939]

Another cool sword and another great discussion and still Matt Easton. Thank you. Cheers!

[@ramibairi5562]

Please more videos on non regulation swords

[@-RONNIE]

Thanks for the video 💀⚔️ I think if the Cutlass is halfway sharp on the back side that's fine

[@bigsiege1848]

Why is it double edged!? Why not?

[@davehart1027]

Looks like a horse blade? You can swing forward or swipe back?

[@MikkoAPenttila]

One is for cutting but the other is for cutting.

[@BigHossHackworth]

Maybe an antiquarian interest? Harkens back to the gladius or arming sword.

[@zackthezabarak739]

It reminds me of an English tuck sword in the 18th century style.

[@lornemcneil]

Why wouldn't you

[@philipsmith7913]

Fascinating

[@valandil7454]

I started with Japanese Jujutsu and only got into our European HEMA about a decade ago now and I'm still fascinated by how many variations we have on every type of weapon over here 🙂 There's a lot more emphasis on individual preference, having learnt a decade of sabre and broadsword I can see why in close quarters aboard a ship or on a battlement why you might want a canted basket hilted double edged broadsword over a single edged basketed cutlass 🙂 But then the techniques I'm more accustomed to involve a lot more grappling and halfswording, so close-up fighting than a lot of my instructors. I hadn't thought of the socio-political side to it though thanks Matt my Scottish cousins're gonna love that idea 🍻😄

[@dogmaticpyrrhonist543]

Extra possibility: Just one of those features was desirable, but the rest were in a package deal on pre-manufactured blades.

[@JuaneDosesII-wj6dd]

Has anyone ever told you that you look like Destro?

[@tedsund]

I enjoy your videos, but I’m curious if your emphatic hand gestures with your left hand while swinging a sword around are historically correct? It seems it would be unwise, especially with double edged blades.

[@ditzydoo4378]

Why you ask?? Because he wanted to be a "Cut" above. 0~o I know, I know. Low hanging fruit. ^~^

[@manfredconnor3194]

This was interesting and thought provoking. Thanks Matt! It would seem to me, that in the narrow confines of a ship, you, would definitely want a double-edged weapon. You plug the gangway or doorway with your body creating a bottleneck, where only one person can get at you at a time and you can cut and stab at your opponent from a variety of angles, what more can you want, except perhaps a pistol or dagger in the other hand? 😊 Oink! = @ )

[@ewokFTW]

More cutty more stabby. Why not?

[@elijahoconnell]

that with a stirrup hilt would be absolutely lovely too

[@NathanPeters-v8p]

How is the weight and balance compared to a single edge Cutlass?

[@julianshepherd2038]

The other edge is for back up.

[@rogerlafrance6355]

Fighting in a two or three foot gangway, requires a different style? Very short, broad cutlasses were also popular.

[@drizztdourden1060]

I'm almost sure that it got the same pattern blade of one type of gladius

[@adcaptandumvulgus4252]

Backswing is my guess...

[@ConstantinJeutter]

Please react to the last video from old hickory forge.

[@leonardotavares914]

I was just listening without watching and at some point I thought that this video was about sex education

[@webb2800]

What are disadvantages of a double edge - or as mentioned at the start of the vid, why are normal cutlasses singles edged? Purely manufacturing cost and subsequent maintenance?

[@FrancisFjordCupola]

Could the sword have been made from various different swords? Like a two-edged sword that got the hilt from somewhere else.

[@Redeye308350]

How were the swords stored on a ship? Were they stored unsheathed in racks? Wondering if the design is related to how they sit in the rack. Maybe they normally rest on the false edge, hence normally kept blunt

[@Zbigniew_Nowak]

Do you think that the manufacturer of this weapon could have had something like the French contre-pointe system in mind?

[@jrb651013]

My first guess was: "The officer who ordered it had trained in double edge systems." Consistent with the Scottish theory.

[@57WillysCJ]

I wonder if a Scotish captain would buy one for his coxswain, especially if he was a fellow Scot?

[@ramibairi5562]

Matt how did the cutlass fair on land against the Tulwar in India or the Kasakara in the Sudan ?

[@raphlvlogs271]

better described as an unconventional basket hilted broad sword

[@bobsmith9177]

In the Navy you can cut both ways

[@Hiltok]

Matt, near the end when you were searching for a word and settled on 'hypothetical', I think 'conjectural' would have better served your purpose. And thanks for another excellent video with interesting historical angles.

[@adcaptandumvulgus4252]

What about those odd blades with the rondel like tip?

[@adamb8317]

Oh my goodness that Scottish Broadsword… if I was to have any sword that’s the one ❤

[@Daniel_D_King]

Interesting video as always. One thing I note is you mention scoring false edge cuts in hema sabre. Wessex league have just changed their sabre rules so that false edge cuts score -1pt compared to the equivalent true edge cut similar to scoring single handed longsword hits. I think this is a fair trade off as it reflects the ability to deal damage with the false edge whilst acknowledging the reduced effectiveness. Looking forward to my first sabre tournament next month. Finally get to use my easton mk3 in anger :-)

[@danguillou713]

Deeper and wider thrust wounds is my spontaneous thought when I look at that spearhead blade. But I don’t understand why you’d need that against people.