BICHWA (THE SCORPIONS STING)

shayde78 · 5th July 2017, 06:32 PM

Rather than starting a new topic, and at the risk of reviving a thread that has long lain dormant, I've been pondering lately if the bichwa form could have developed as a knife specifically designed for archers.

The tightly fitting hilt with guard allows the weapon to be in one's right hand even while drawing a bow. This would then give the archer a close quarters blade to deploy if his position were overrun. Rather than having to pause to unsheathe another weapon, the bichwa would be at the ready even while acting as an archer.

I know the reference books speak of the bichwa being a preferred blade of assassins, and the like, because it could be easily concealed (which is true of any number of weapons), but also because it allowed the wielder to climb walls while having the blade drawn. I wonder if this utility may have served a more overt military function rather than a covert nefarious one.

Thoughts?

ariel · 6th July 2017, 12:43 PM

It was rather sad re-reading this topic.
Lew and Vandoo, Rest In Peace.....

Jim McDougall · 6th July 2017, 04:09 PM

Absolutely brilliantly posted and queried Shayde!!! That is a wonderfully posed question, and it is great to see threads like this brought back to the fore. More importantly, the content and discussion in this thread reminds us of not only the exact reason we are studying weapons in this manner, but of our friends who helped us learn in years past.

While poignant indeed, it is great to have them here still, and to 'keep the fires burning'!!

Barry (VANDOO) and Lew had amazing collections which they always shared here, and more importantly their knowledge and inquisitiveness were, and still are an inspiration.

I really look forward to learning more on this theory regarding the bichwa and its related forms from those out there well versed on these , and those like me, always curious and anxious to learn more.

Thank you Shayde, well done!!

Marcus · 6th July 2017, 06:36 PM

The Tiv people of Africa also use loop daggers similar to the bichwa and it is generally assumed that these were by archers.

shayde78 · 6th July 2017, 08:37 PM

Thank you for the kind words, Marcus. It is nice to receive such a welcome as a new member of this community. Ther

Thank you, Marcus! Yes, I have seen a number of loop-hilted blades that were listed as 'Archers' daggers' from Africa, and that planted the seed of this rumination of mine. Your pictures show perfectly how the dagger rests, not on the fingers, but up on the meaty part of the hand. This would leave the fingers totally free to operate a bow (or firearm, as estcrh suggested). Compared to the European brass knuckle type knives I associate with WWI in which the fingers are limited in their dexterity. The benefits of the knuckleduster knives is they allow for a much more secure grip for the actual knife work.

Thanks again for responding. In regards to the two members who are no longer with us, (and whose thread I appear to have hijacked), I am indebted to their contributions across these forums. There is an astounding amount of knowledge here that has been made accessible to the unwashed masses, such as myself. As a long time lover of all things pointy and sharp, this is most appreciated.

estcrh · 6th July 2017, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shayde78

Rather than starting a new topic, and at the risk of reviving a thread that has long lain dormant, I've been pondering lately if the bichwa form could have developed as a knife specifically designed for archers.

The tightly fitting hilt with guard allows the weapon to be in one's right hand even while drawing a bow. This would then give the archer a close quarters blade to deploy if his position were overrun. Rather than having to pause to unsheathe another weapon, the bichwa would be at the ready even while acting as an archer.

I know the reference books speak of the bichwa being a preferred blade of assassins, and the like, because it could be easily concealed (which is true of any number of weapons), but also because it allowed the wielder to climb walls while having the blade drawn. I wonder if this utility may have served a more overt military function rather than a covert nefarious one.

Thoughts?

A very interesting theory by why just for archers? Why not also for gunners, they would need a close by weapon as well. I guess trying a simulation with either a bow or gun would be the next step. As for the bichwa being "easily concealed".....pure guess work I think until someone comes up with some type of information to back this theory up.

6th July 2017, 06:36 PM	#4
Marcus Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 420	TIV Loop dagger The Tiv people of Africa also use loop daggers similar to the bichwa and it is generally assumed that these were by archers. Attached Images

5th July 2017, 06:32 PM	#1
shayde78 Member Join Date: Mar 2017 Posts: 445	Rather than starting a new topic, and at the risk of reviving a thread that has long lain dormant, I've been pondering lately if the bichwa form could have developed as a knife specifically designed for archers. The tightly fitting hilt with guard allows the weapon to be in one's right hand even while drawing a bow. This would then give the archer a close quarters blade to deploy if his position were overrun. Rather than having to pause to unsheathe another weapon, the bichwa would be at the ready even while acting as an archer. I know the reference books speak of the bichwa being a preferred blade of assassins, and the like, because it could be easily concealed (which is true of any number of weapons), but also because it allowed the wielder to climb walls while having the blade drawn. I wonder if this utility may have served a more overt military function rather than a covert nefarious one. Thoughts?

6th July 2017, 12:43 PM	#2
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	It was rather sad re-reading this topic. Lew and Vandoo, Rest In Peace.....

6th July 2017, 04:09 PM	#3
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,189	Absolutely brilliantly posted and queried Shayde!!! That is a wonderfully posed question, and it is great to see threads like this brought back to the fore. More importantly, the content and discussion in this thread reminds us of not only the exact reason we are studying weapons in this manner, but of our friends who helped us learn in years past. While poignant indeed, it is great to have them here still, and to 'keep the fires burning'!! Barry (VANDOO) and Lew had amazing collections which they always shared here, and more importantly their knowledge and inquisitiveness were, and still are an inspiration. I really look forward to learning more on this theory regarding the bichwa and its related forms from those out there well versed on these , and those like me, always curious and anxious to learn more. Thank you Shayde, well done!!

6th July 2017, 08:37 PM	#5
shayde78 Member Join Date: Mar 2017 Posts: 445	Thank you for the kind words, Marcus. It is nice to receive such a welcome as a new member of this community. Ther Thank you, Marcus! Yes, I have seen a number of loop-hilted blades that were listed as 'Archers' daggers' from Africa, and that planted the seed of this rumination of mine. Your pictures show perfectly how the dagger rests, not on the fingers, but up on the meaty part of the hand. This would leave the fingers totally free to operate a bow (or firearm, as estcrh suggested). Compared to the European brass knuckle type knives I associate with WWI in which the fingers are limited in their dexterity. The benefits of the knuckleduster knives is they allow for a much more secure grip for the actual knife work. Thanks again for responding. In regards to the two members who are no longer with us, (and whose thread I appear to have hijacked), I am indebted to their contributions across these forums. There is an astounding amount of knowledge here that has been made accessible to the unwashed masses, such as myself. As a long time lover of all things pointy and sharp, this is most appreciated.