A baseball bat would be a better idea IMO than that particular blade. If you want something bladed...a good machete will have an advantage. If you want something more swordlike, consider saving your money for something good. Del Tin Falchion would be much better than the cold steel cutlass, as would the Falcata. A Kris Cutlery wakizashi, celtic sword, or gladius would be other ideas or even a Criswell short sword.
Seriously, a sword is not an ideal weapon for home defense. But if you insist on getting a sword, and your excuse is the safety of you and your family, you should have the good taste to get something a little better than the CS Cutlass.
Shinryû.
-Addendum-
The reason for this negative opinion of it is because I got a pretty good look at one recently and some more outside opinions were provided.
[This message has been edited by Robert Marotz (edited 11-29-2000).]