Relatively short "hunting swords" were popular in Europe once. From what I have read, I gather that they usually have blades from about 18 to 24 inches long. They were used to put the final coup de grace, if needed, on wild game.

I haven't seen much reference to their use here in North America.
So, how common were they here?

Couldn't document it, but I have the impression that the niche of the hunting sword in North America is taken by the large hunting knife( like a bowie).

This is the only "hunting sword" I've ever owned. It was used in Japan for the "coup de grace" of...well, you know.

Yup.

At my age and dexterity my hunting with a sword or large knife would be considered self defense. I am not able to go chasing around the woods and fields in the hope of getting into a fight with a critter. I do applaud those that are willing and able for that sport though.

quote:

I haven't seen much reference to their use here in North America.
So, how common were they here?

Well when we look at inventories following deaths, and some Militia records we see a lot of the officers are carrying hunting swords as their officer sword, and not an actual officer's sword.

You also find that the Jaegers that came over during the AWI pretty much all carried hunting swords as they had no bayonets for their rifles.

LD