Cutlass vs. Saber — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 29, 2024
A cutlass is a short, broad sabre with a slightly curved blade, historically used by sailors, while a saber is a type of curved, slender sword used primarily by cavalry and officers in military contexts.
Difference Between Cutlass and Saber
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A cutlass features a short and broad blade, designed for chopping during close combat aboard ships. On the other hand, a saber typically boasts a longer and more slender blade, optimized for slashing in mounted combat.
The blade of a cutlass is often slightly curved, enhancing its efficacy in close quarters and making it ideal for naval engagements. Whereas, the saber generally has a more pronounced curve, which is suitable for sweeping cuts from horseback.
Historically, cutlasses were standard issue among pirates and sailors, which made them symbolic of naval warfare and piracy. In contrast, sabers were widely used by cavalry and officers in various armies, symbolizing status and military tradition.
The hilt of a cutlass is typically robust and may include a basket-shaped guard to protect the hand during shipboard melees. Conversely, sabers often feature a variety of hilt designs, including some with elaborate guards for enhanced hand protection in cavalry charges.
While both swords are used for slashing, the cutlass's design is more conducive to hacking, given its weight and blade width. The saber, however, is more agile and allows for a wider range of movements, making it effective in diverse combat scenarios.
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Comparison Chart
Blade Length
Shorter and broader
Longer and slender
Curve
Slight curve
More pronounced curve
Usage
Close combat, naval engagements
Mounted combat, ceremonial
Blade Design
Thick blade, optimized for chopping
Slender blade, optimized for slashing
Symbolism
Associated with piracy and naval warfare
Associated with cavalry and military officers
Compare with Definitions
Cutlass
A melee weapon designed for close combat aboard ships.
The sailor kept his cutlass ready during the boarding.
Saber
A sword characterized by its agile and versatile design.
He practiced with his saber, mastering its swift strikes.
Cutlass
A sword with a basket hilt to protect the wielder's hand.
The cutlass's hilt shielded his fingers from enemy blows.
Saber
A type of curved, single-edged sword used by cavalry.
The officer drew his saber as the charge began.
Cutlass
A short, broad sword with a curved blade, used historically by sailors.
The pirate brandished his cutlass menacingly.
Saber
A slender, typically military sword with a distinct curvature.
The saber hung at his side, gleaming under the sun.
Cutlass
A symbol of maritime adventure and piracy.
The museum displayed a cutlass as a relic of pirate lore.
Saber
A symbol of military tradition and officer status.
His saber represented a long family history in the cavalry.
Cutlass
A naval sidearm prevalent in the Age of Sail.
Every crew member was issued a cutlass for personal defense.
Saber
A ceremonial weapon often used in military parades.
The cadets carried sabers during the graduation parade.
Cutlass
A cutlass is a short, broad sabre or slashing sword, with a straight or slightly curved blade sharpened on the cutting edge, and a hilt often featuring a solid cupped or basket-shaped guard. It was a common naval weapon during the early Age of Sail.
Saber
A heavy cavalry sword with a one-edged, slightly curved blade.
Cutlass
A short heavy sword with a curved single-edged blade, once used as a weapon by sailors.
Saber
A light dueling or fencing sword having an arched guard covering the hand and a tapered flexible blade with a cutting edge on one side and on the tip.
Cutlass
(Caribbean) A machete.
Saber
To hit, injure, or kill with a saber.
Cutlass
(nautical) A short sword with a curved blade, and a convex edge; once used by sailors when boarding an enemy ship.
Saber
To remove the tip of (a Champagne bottle) by swiping a saber or similar instrument along the bottle's seam until it hits the lip at the bottle's tip. The pressure inside the bottle causes the tip of the glass and the cork to shoot off together.
Cutlass
A similarly shaped tool; a machete.
Saber
(American spelling) sabre
Cutlass
(transitive) To cut back (vegetation) with a cutlass.
Saber
(American spelling) sabre
Cutlass
A short, heavy, curving sword, used in the navy. See Curtal ax.
Saber
A sword with a broad and heavy blade, thick at the back, and usually more or less curved like a scimiter; a cavalry sword.
Cutlass
A short heavy curved sword with one edge; formerly used by sailors
Saber
To strike, cut, or kill with a saber; to cut down, as with a saber.
You send troops to saber and bayonet us into submission.
Saber
A fencing sword with a v-shaped blade and a slightly curved handle
Saber
A stout sword with a curved blade and thick back
Saber
Cut or injure with a saber
Saber
Kill with a saber
Common Curiosities
What historical contexts saw the use of the cutlass?
Cutlasses were predominantly used in naval contexts, especially during the Age of Sail, and are famously associated with pirates.
Are cutlasses still used today?
Cutlasses are largely obsolete in modern combat but remain ceremonial items and collectors' pieces.
What is the main difference between a cutlass and a saber?
The main difference lies in their design; cutlasses are shorter and broader, suitable for close combat, while sabers are longer and more curved, ideal for mounted combat.
Were sabers used in any famous historical battles?
Yes, sabers were used in many famous cavalry charges throughout history, including battles during the Napoleonic Wars.
Is there a difference in the sharpening technique between a cutlass and a saber?
The technique may vary slightly due to the blade design, with cutlasses requiring a method suited for chopping and sabers for slashing.
What type of steel is used in making a cutlass?
Historically, cutlasses were made from high-carbon steel to withstand tough use at sea.
Which sword would be more effective in a dense forest, a cutlass or a saber?
A cutlass would be more effective in a dense forest due to its shorter length and maneuverability in close quarters.
How does the hilt design differ between a cutlass and a saber?
Cutlasses often have basket hilts to protect the whole hand, while sabers may have varied hilt designs, including some that only partially shield the hand.
Which would be heavier, a cutlass or a saber?
Typically, a cutlass is heavier than a saber due to its broader blade designed for hacking.
What type of combat is a saber best suited for?
Sabers are best suited for mounted combat and are effective in slashing movements.
Can a cutlass be used effectively on horseback?
While possible, a cutlass is not ideal for horseback due to its design favoring close-quarter battles, unlike the saber which is tailored for mounted use.
Why is the saber considered a symbol of military tradition?
Sabers have been extensively used by cavalry and military officers, making them emblems of military heritage and officer honor.
What is the typical weight of a cutlass compared to a saber?
A cutlass is generally heavier than a saber, aiding in powerful chops rather than swift slashes.
Can a saber be used for fencing?
Yes, sabers are also used in sport fencing, emphasizing agility and precise cuts.
How did the development of firearms affect the use of cutlasses and sabers?
The advent of firearms reduced the frontline use of both cutlasses and sabers, relegating them more to ceremonial roles and secondary weapons.
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Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
