Product reviews for Scottish Basket-Hilt Cutlass

This is an excellent cutlass, beautiful and sharp. Perfect for my pirate costume. It is heavier than you might think, so a good sturdy belt and frog are recommended

I was looking at museum replicas swords for some time as a Atlanta Cutlery knife buyer. There quality as been as very good  and I have never been disappointed.
Buying a Museum Replicas Scottish Basket Hilt Cutlass was even better. I seen YouTube review and all were positive. It is a beefy 3 Lbs and my hand is well covered in the steel basket. If I had one sword in close quarters this would be it. The only thing is the grip is a bit short for a saber grip. All in all it is a wonderful piece of craftsmanship.

This blade is definitely not perfect but, considering the price point, I didn't expect that. There are multiple blemishes about the basket; there are minor mars on the inside of the basket (for the most part) so they're not very noticeable, and the most prominent is on one of the the "claws", it looks as if a blade struck it and is halfway 'cut' through. This most likely occurred during the stamping process. The other issue is that the guard is off center, and at first glance you'd think the blade was warped, but the grip and the blade are aligned, it's just the basket and guard that are contorted so I do not think it will cause issues with edge alignment. If you are looking for something that's free of any defects then this ain't the one for ya. I don't mind because this is literally the only Cutlass I've found on the market with a basket hilt. I've a strong affinity with Celtic culture and seafaring history so this was 'the one' for me, even though there were multiple other options I was considering from Cold Steel that would've probably been free of defects and are definitely more practical. This is a heavy sword, not lively in the hand. For me this was actually preferable, as I am new to swordsmanship and want to activate my muscles so that I may get a good workout during practice. Another thing I will add is that I ordered the sharpening service and initial engraving. The engraving is a nice touch on this rather economical piece, it elevates it a bit. As far as the sharpening service is concerned, however, I am disappointed. The primary edge is decent as far as I can tell, but they did not sharpen the rear fin of the blade. I had specified in the 'special instructions' box during order placement that I desired the fin to be sharpened, but they either ignored this or didn't see it. Upon inspection of my order receipt I noticed that the only words that ended up printing out (out of my multiple sentences in the original box) were 'I'd appreciate if the...'. So maybe they simply didn't get to see my instructions. Whatever the case I will have to have the fin sharpened separately. Overall: If you're into Celtic culture and seafaring, don't mind minor blemishes, and don't mind a heavy blade, I'd highly reccomend. Otherwise go with another cutlass.

This thing is well built and solid but, man, is it heavy! Weight is listed at 3 lbs. 4 oz. but it feels much heavier. Unless you have the upper body strength of Conan, this sword would be pretty much restricted to chopping. I think you would be pretty well skewered if you tried to fence with it. If nothing else, it should certainly work to build arm and wrist strength.
I ordered mine sharp and was initially upset when it barely cut the heavy brown paper blade wrapper but it cleanly sliced standard typing/printer paper. A mild indoor swipe at the shipping box chopped almost halfway through. The back swedge was not sharpened.
The blade looks to be 3/16 inch stock with a saber grind beginning between about 1/3 to 1/2 up the blade and a secondary bevel. POB is 4 inches in front of the basket. COP? Who knows - striking the pommel and basket produced absolutely no vibration. There is a very little distal tape and what there is seems to be due to the swedge grind. Holding the flats in the light will reveal plenty of rippling.
The scabbard is thick, stiff heavy leather with steel chape and locket. It holds the sword securely but you do have the pay attention sheathing to avoid the front projection of the basket.
Be prepared for a wait - mine took slightly over 2 months to be delivered.

I believe this sword would cut deep into bone even if a small frame man was using it, not to long, seams to be good steel and very sharp, good price and displays well.

I don't much care for basket- hilt swords for the most part. The always seems too small to twist your wrist without scraping your knuckles. But i wanted a cutlass. So glad i got it. Nice roomy hilt, great balance and i love the fact the first 8-9 inches can be sharpened. it really sets it apart from other cutlasses. Worth every penny. The scabbard was a bit of a surprise but they have added a video showing the it. It is a lovely deep green. I like just a surprise is all.

This is a formidable cutlass. The blade has authority as you wield it. A very well put together sword. One side of the basket was crushed a bit during shipping but I was able to tap it out with a mallet. The packing job on this one was not great but that should not reflect on the sword. If you like this type of cutlass you will be pleased!

I received my cutlass and was very impressed with the construction. The basket hilt does well to counterbalance the weighty blade. It is still a bit blade heavy, but still manageable. I bought it sharpened the edge is ok.  All in All a great chopper and worth the money. My new favorite.

Nice sword , has a good weight to it. As with all the Windlass items I have purchased over the years high quality and affordable.

I love the size and weight of this sword. Ideal for close quarters combat, this well constructed sword is another great Windlass addition to my collection. Very happy with the purchase and highly recommend this sword.

Simply lovely cutlass, high quality craftsmanship with a thick heavy and well-balanced blade!

With this kind of mass to a short blade, one might expect a cleaver-like feel, and it certainly has authority in short, chopping strokes. But what surprised me was the effortlessness of thrusting. The big basket makes the tip feel almost...floaty?

I know others have noted looseness in the scabbard fit, but mine felt snug. Really a pleasure to look at and handle.

This was my first sword. A little heavy blade-wise (perhaps a fuller of some sort would help with weight/heft, however I am no expert by any means), but a phenomenal chopper/cutter once you learn how to work with its balance. Came shipped securely, quickly, and without any damage. Would definitely buy again!

Very happy with this cutlas. Wasn’t looking to buy but when it came up as a sale of the day with great reviews, I quickly put in my order. Like I said, very happy with the quality and got it delivered fast. Also happy with the sharpening quality.

Love this cutlass, came very sharp, although the fin at the top of blade was NOT sharpened, i recommend a glove if you have big hands like i do, the basket will rub a hot spot on your knuckle, handles very well, fierce cutter, all in all well worth the money