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Pirates are famous for using many weapons, but chief amongst them is: the cutlass. Learn about why pirates preferred this close-combat weapon, how it was used on board, and when it was last used in official records. Courtesy of American BladesPro.
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Have you heard of the Shotel? Somewhat lesser known in the sword history world, the Shotel is a curved blade of around 40 inches or 1 meter in length (!), dating back to as far long ago as 980 BC to Abyssinia (modern day Ethiopia). It was used as recently as the 1800s. Its extreme curved shape drew a lot of attention, elevating the carrier's status with its impressive size and make, as well as a hook-and-stab style of weapon in close combat.
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Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1536-1598) was a Japanese samurai and lord during the Sengoku period, who rose from a peasant in his earlier life, to becoming one of the most important figures in Japanese history.

Often known as the second (of three) 'uniters' of Japan, his military prowess, cunning and tenacity was largely responsible for bringing Japan together, after decades of civil war and bloodshed between neighbouring states.
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