Hello Guys,
I just wanted to say that when I quoted Jim I had no intention of making any sort of positioning. To me, it was like quoting a book or any other external source. As Jim's knowledge far preceed many of us!
so I apologize if I came out that way and.. Maybe this would push Jim to write a book so we can quote him all we want! :-)
Imho, this discussion is a positive one and we should be open to any possibility that evidence points to. After all, I think many of us collect these items as works of art regardless of their original purpose.
Thanks for the quotes Jim, I think this evidence would support that straight saif is a combat weapon.