Pathfinder 1E Would a cutlass be a rapier, longsword, or shortsword?

[Puxido]

I've been thinking about this, but cant really figure it out.

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

It's @30" in length and is a one-handed slashing weapon- I'd go Longsword or Shortsword, since those are closest.

 

[was]

I believe past editions equated it with the shortsword.

 

[gamerprinter]

Simplist way to define this. A cutlass is a cutlass, a rapier is a rapier, a longsword is a longsword and a shortsword is a shortsword - basically these are four different bladed weapons. While all bladed weapons have some similarities, only the rapier even resembles a cutlass (both being single edged, one-handed weapons), with the other two being double edged weapons. I've seen real cutlasses that were much longer than what the PF cutlass is supposed to be, but I don't know if these is a specific parameter in length or weight that defines what is a cutlass and what is not. According to PF a cutlass is a shorter weapon that is easily wielded aboard ship, so likely not comparable to a long sword. Ideally, I'd say these are four different weapons, though rapier is most similar to a cutlass.

 

[trancejeremy]

Scimitar! Since they are both curved. Cutlasses are shorter and heavier, but same deal basically

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

Scimitar! Since they are both curved. Cutlasses are shorter and heavier, but same deal basically

Good point- forgot about the scimitar.

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

...though rapier is most similar to a cutlass.

In what way? Rapiers are long, straight, narrow-bladed thrusting weapons, while cutlasses are shorter, curved, broad-bladed slashing weapons. I think trancejeremy nailed it, TBH.

 

[Puxido]

In what way? Rapiers are long, straight, narrow-bladed thrusting weapons, while cutlasses are shorter, curved, broad-bladed slashing weapons. I think trancejeremy nailed it, TBH.

Well, I would personally trust Gamerprinter, mainly because if I'm correct, he does this for a living. But he is right to some degree, the cutlass and rapier are similar weapons. Both were made for an era where heavy swords were no longer needed, because heavy armor had fallen out of custom and blackpowder was your first choice. Second off, I think their both used in fencing, if I'm not incorrect.

 

[gamerprinter]

I might have had rapier and cutlass swapped in my head. I have some knowledge, but am no swordsmith, nor sword expert of any kind.

 

[Puxido]

I might have had rapier and cutlass swapped in my head. I have some knowledge, but am no swordsmith, nor sword expert of any kind.

Their similar enough, their both fencing tools I believe.