Ox-Cutter

[ariel]

Originally Posted by runjeet@akaalarms.com

Nice example Bill, one of my all-time favourites too.

It is quite funny the way the name "Ox-Cutter" has stuck. 2 similar swords were sold by Oriental Arms many moons ago (I was probably still in nappies), and both were described as Massive Indian Khanda Swords.

http://www.oriental-arms.com/item.php?id=626
http://www.oriental-arms.com/item.php?id=659

Akaal Arms was later invented, and I managed to buy 2 examples for stock, plus one of Artzi's (the one with the green velvet padding). The first example I bought was examined by a local Historian/Martial Arts Instructor, Nidar Singh. He recognised the form straight away, and called it an Ox-cutter; used in Hindu Kashatree ceremonies to behead Ox.

Hence, the name Ox-cutter was introduced.....I remember a brief discussion with John Powell (I think he had an example in his collection). I called it an Ox-cutter; and although he never disagreed with me, he continued to call it a Sousson Patah.

I think Bill has bought wisely...as he always does These swords seldom seem to come up for sale....I would guess very few were made....I cannot say I have seen many more examples than what can now be seen in this thread. It would be interesting if anybody could come up with an early reference, or any reference at all, naming this type of sword.

For information I have attached links for the two examples I have owned in the past.

http://www.akaalarms.com/largeEdged/sold/ewox1.html
http://www.akaalarms.com/largeEdged/sold/ewox2.html

Fascinating!
We often argue about the names of various swords but this is the first time I can remember we are hearing the "horse's mouth" account.
It's like sitting next to a guy under an apple tree, seeing him wince in pain and saying " I'll call it a Newton's Law"