Having opened in 1980, The Blade is one of the oldest rides at Alton Towers. A traditional HUSS Pirate Boat, the ride was originally known as the Pirate Ship and was located in the Fantasy World area (since replaced by X-Sector).

It was moved to Forbidden Valley in 1997 to make way for the Oblivion rollercoaster, and rethemed as The Blade. The ride was given a new yellow and black colour scheme and mock blades were added at either end. However, the core "swinging ship" ride experience remains unchanged.