Talk:Nami Solo/@comment-7645613-20140529004824/@comment-26132726-20140529024420

Cutlass is from the old french word coutelas, which means a machete-type blade. While we tend to think of the cutlass as a short sword, since it was primarily known as a naval weapon -- it was mainly used where a machete might be considered. Cutting through heavy ropes, canvas sails, and wood. In addition to what we normally think of a cutlass as, a short sword, since it could also be used in close quarters combat.

But it was usually used as a tool (like a machete) moreso than a weapon on the open seas.