Learn the Real Swordsmanship of
“The Golden Age of Piracy”
c. 1650-1730

Pirates, swashbucklers, and buccaneers are remembered as some of the most dynamic and exciting swordsmen of all time. Only at the Baltimore Academy of Defence will you learn real historical sword fighting techniques as practiced throughout “The Golden Age of Piracy” c. 1650-1730. Our methods are drawn directly from rare surviving original British, French, and Spanish manuals and other real historical sources and accounts, so you can be sure you are learning the real thing.

Beginners are always welcome!

Experience Original Antique Swords Hands On!

Swords like this English “Hunslow Hanger” c.1640 were popular with British pirates

Cutlass

Cutlasses as they are known at sea (or Hangers on land), were frequently the preferred choice among pirates and privateers. Typically featuring a broad, straight or slightly curved blade which could deliver powerful cuts, and hilts with good hand protection from cupped, or shell shaped guards, they were an excellent choice for fighting at close quarters, and could be wielded to devastating effect with minimal training.

Broadsword

The basket-hilted “Highland” Broadsword or Backsword was generally used as a military sword, but it was also a popular choice among the many Scots who frequently made their way to the Caribbean following the English civil war and numerous failed Jacobite rebellions. There straight, typically broad cutting blades make them powerful cutting swords that can also thrust well. The notorious pirate Blackbeard was famously beheaded in combat by a Scot expertly wielding a broadsword.

Shearing Sword / Walloon

The Shearing sword, also known as a Walloon, Cut & Thrust sword, or later a Spadroon is a very popular type of sword that features a blade that offers a middle ground between the powerful, heavy cuts of the Broadsword, and the light, quick thrusts of the smallsword. These swords are often characterized by a distinctive bioplate (double shell) guard, with a knuckle bow and side bars to provide hand protection, as well as as a thumb ring. The Shearing sword was the preferred weapon of many period sword masters of renown including Donald McBane, and Zack Wylde.

Smallsword / Rapier

Smallswords are light, one-handed swords specialized for thrusting which evolved from the longer and heavier Rapier of the late Renaissance, first appearing in France, and spreading quickly across Europe and the Americas. There is some evidence to suggest that the term smallsword was intended to describe swords with a triangular shaped blade, while Rapier was preferred for those with conventional flat blades, however the terms were frequently used interchangeably for thrusting focused swords. Renown for being extremely quick and deadly, the height of the smallswords popularity was between mid 17th and late 18th century. Gentlemen frequently carried smallswords as a symbol of wealth and status. The weapon was a very popular choice, especially for dueling and recreation, eventually developing into both Classical, then Olympic Foil and Épée fencing.

Dagger / Knife

Daggers and Knives have always been popular weapons, whether thrown, used in close quarters, as side arms, in the left hand, or as a last resort. Daggers and knives of the period came in a wide variety of shapes and sizes with many specialized for specific uses like cutting, thrusting, or parrying, while others were of a more general design. Pirates were often known to carry several large knives at once.

Pistol

Flintlock Pistols were a favorite of Pirates and Buccaneers, who reportedly often carried up to six or possibly even more at the same time. Frequently used in the left hand, with a sword in the right hand, the pistol was usually fired from close range and could also be used to parry, or like a club. The butt end of antique pistols often terminate in a large knob capped in steel for this reason.

Boarding Pike / Spontoon

Boarding Pikes or Half-Pikes were short spears used in naval boarding actions. Often cut-down versions of infantry pikes, they were typically 7-8ft long. Two styles of head for these pikes were popular, the spike head, and leaf head. Spike heads had thin square or triangular points that were designed for thrusting. Leaf headed pikes utilized a sharp leaf-shaped blade, allowing it to cut and thrust. Both were popular, with choice being more about preference or availability than effectiveness.

A Spontoon is a similar weapon often carried by officers as a sign of rank, and usually with the addition of a crossbar or “wings” at the base of the blade. This prevented the weapon from over-penetrating a target, ensuring it didn’t get stuck during combat.

Boarding Ax / Tomahawk

Early British boarding Axes didn’t follow a specific pattern and a wide variety are known to exist, but most conform to a similar size and design. Typically employing a chisel shaped blade, with a straight or slightly curved cutting edge. On some examples the lower part of the axe changes to increase the angle but the top of the blade typically stays in line with the top of the axe head. The side mounted langets are integrally cast and usually lobe shaped, curving slightly around the handle.
Handles were usually around two feet long and frequently tapered at the axe head, swelling in diameter below the head, then gradually tapering to a smaller diameter and terminating in a ball.

Tomahawks of this era were known to have been adopted to sea service early on. Of a similar design to a boarding ax without the langets, and often the spike, they were popular for use as both tools and weapons.

Fight dirty for fun and profit!