Tulwar Hilt Straight Blade, Sukhela?

Norman McCormick · 21st February 2011, 02:17 PM

Hi All,
Here are some more photos. I have tried to demonstrate the flex in the blade, good springy steel. I have also tried to give a better perspective re the straightness of the blade, it has obviously been sharpened a few times but to my mind there is no indication of a forward curve. The resin used to fix the blade into the hilt has a distinctive dark red hue whether this is of any consequence I don't know.
Regards,
Norman.

Rick · 23rd February 2011, 03:12 AM

It appears that I have one in fine grain wootz .

Never tried the flex much before .

So, what is the form called?

Not a kirach; a dhup ?

Norman McCormick · 24th February 2011, 10:45 PM

Hi Rick,
Thanks for posting your example, bend and all. Although I would need the sword in hand to be absolutely sure I can't see any sign of the forward curve which appears to classify and identify a Kirach/Kirash. If the sword I posted had a Scottish or English Basket Hilt rather than a 'Tulwar' type I'm sure it could be classified as a backsword with an unmarked continental European trade blade probably German. I'm pretty sure and with my limited experience, this may be a phrase I live to regret, that the blade is Indian made but more 18thC than 19thC. I just don't think this sword fits into the Kirach mould. This is not the only Indian sword that I have which isn't easily pigeonholed so maybe it is not so unusual to find unclassified and variant forms here and there from such an old and vast civilisation.
Regards,
Norman.

21st February 2011, 02:17 PM	#1
Norman McCormick Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 1,637	Hi All, Here are some more photos. I have tried to demonstrate the flex in the blade, good springy steel. I have also tried to give a better perspective re the straightness of the blade, it has obviously been sharpened a few times but to my mind there is no indication of a forward curve. The resin used to fix the blade into the hilt has a distinctive dark red hue whether this is of any consequence I don't know. Regards, Norman. Attached Images

23rd February 2011, 03:12 AM	#2
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,348	It appears that I have one in fine grain wootz . Never tried the flex much before . So, what is the form called? Not a kirach; a dhup ? Attached Images Last edited by Rick; 23rd February 2011 at 03:41 AM.

24th February 2011, 10:45 PM	#3
Norman McCormick Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 1,637	Hi Rick, Thanks for posting your example, bend and all. Although I would need the sword in hand to be absolutely sure I can't see any sign of the forward curve which appears to classify and identify a Kirach/Kirash. If the sword I posted had a Scottish or English Basket Hilt rather than a 'Tulwar' type I'm sure it could be classified as a backsword with an unmarked continental European trade blade probably German. I'm pretty sure and with my limited experience, this may be a phrase I live to regret, that the blade is Indian made but more 18thC than 19thC. I just don't think this sword fits into the Kirach mould. This is not the only Indian sword that I have which isn't easily pigeonholed so maybe it is not so unusual to find unclassified and variant forms here and there from such an old and vast civilisation. Regards, Norman.