Typically to finish off an animal which had be downed by a quarrel or pellet, in immediate defence in a pinch from boars or other ornery critters, fashion, a deterrent against brigands, and if need be to clear brush like a machete.
The hunting sword, often favoured by peasantry and outlaws, evolved into the cutlass style we associate with pirates. In German they were called hangers or messers.
Typically to finish off an animal which had be downed by a quarrel or pellet, in immediate defence in a pinch from boars or other ornery critters, fashion, a deterrent against brigands, and if need be to clear brush like a machete.
The hunting sword, often favoured by peasantry and outlaws, evolved into the cutlass style we associate with pirates. In German they were called hangers or messers.