Unlike many other pirates, most of Blackbeard's exploits took place off the eastern coast of the US. He had a notorious reputation and was known for his signature large black beard and hair. He was an imposing figure and was known to braid his beard and hair with slow burning cannon fuses so that his entire person was surrounded by smoke during battles. Despite his fearsome reputation, Blackbeard was actually a capable leader who relied on his image rather than actual violence.