Crossword Genius

Blade used by a cutter perhaps (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

oar

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'blade' is the definition.
(blade is the word for oar in competitive rowing)

'a cutter perhaps' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'a' is found in the answer.
The remaining letters 'or' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'used by' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for oar that I've seen before include "Rowing boat operator" , "Rower's flat blade" , "spoon?" , "One of an eight" , "Pole for rowing" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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