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

Puxido · Dec 1, 2014

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

Dannyalcatraz · Dec 1, 2014

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

was · Dec 1, 2014

I believe past editions equated it with the shortsword.

gamerprinter · Dec 1, 2014

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 · Dec 1, 2014

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

Dannyalcatraz · Dec 2, 2014

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

Good point- forgot about the scimitar.

Dannyalcatraz · Dec 2, 2014

gamerprinter said:
...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 · Dec 2, 2014

Dannyalcatraz said:
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.