The long sword is for training and combat, while the short sword has a sole, solemn purpose — to commit ritual suicide, or seppuku, if he dishonors himself, his family, or the daimyo.
I stared at my companions. They were armed in the same fashion, and Ned Land was also brandishing an enormous harpoon he had stowed in the skiff before leaving the Nautilus.
It's got this kind of short blade, it's nice and narrow, it's really sharp, and it has this long handle, which kind of gives me a lot of control and it's really balanced.
" Here, " said Bronn, squatting, " I'll do it. " He took the knife and flint from Tyrion's hands and struck sparks on his first try. A curl of bark began to smolder.
Kurleket drew his dirk, a vicious piece of black iron. " At your word, m'lady, I'll toss his lying tongue at your feet. " His pig eyes were wet with excitement at the prospect.
" I rather think, " said Dumbledore, putting his uninjured hand inside his robes and drawing out a short silver knife of the kind Harry used to chop potion ingredients, " that we are required to make payment to pass."