Possible origins of the yataghan hilt form

[TVV]

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

I still wonder what pragmatic reason might explain these unusually large pommel arrangements.

A HEMA practitioner will probably be able to give a better explanation, but the yataghan is a weapon optimized for chopping, and not for stabbing, with the point rarely used. Therefore, no guard is necessary, but a larger pommel assists with maintaining control over the grip and drawing back the weapon after a strike.