Hanger sword

A hanger sword, also known as a hunting sword, is a sword with a broad, crude blade and a simple hilt designed for hunting. Because of its lethality, it has historically also been adapted as a combat weapon. The couteau, a shorter hanger sword, is essentially a long, hunting knife.

Description
Hanger swords are not forged with warfare in mind but hunting. For this reason, they are far more crudely-built than average swords, with typically broad, brutish blades and rustic hilts. Although their designs can vary, the hilt of an archetypal hanger sword consists of a simple, smooth grip with a plain knuckle-brow. Its long, broad blade—perfect for hacking through thick meat—is curved and single-edged.

Cuttoe, smaller variants of the hanger, tend to lack a knuckle-brow. As elongated derivatives of the hunting knife, they generally lack pommels and have guards that are little more than a bar. Their blades are similar to the larger hangers in being optimized for carving through flesh but are more often double-edged and straight.

History
Hunting swords were fashionable throughout the Americas in the 18th century where hunting was a major trade. Although not intended for military use, they were sold in general stores and could still be adapted or self-defense or as effective combat weapons.

Appearances

 * Assassin's Creed III
 * Assassin's Creed III: Liberation
 * Assassin's Creed: Rogue