Unusual Indian dagger / short sword

[estcrh]

Originally Posted by Battara

I agree - looks unusable since it will break near the tip under stress and is more like a fantasy piece - maybe more like a modern custom dagger made to look old?

I have a very similar one...somewere.....I will try to find it, surprisingly the steel is really very strong but I think these are modern made, I have seen a few for sale in the last couple of years.

[Bob A]

I agree also. Serious mechanical drawback in the design.

I've never seen anything remotely resembling this sort of construct, which is not to say it doesn't exist, obviously, but as to utility, meh.

[Royston]

Thanks Gents, you are probably right.

In it's defence though, I would say two things.

The tip is not flimsy, I think it would penetrate mail.

As to functionality, a quick look at the archives here and on google for any Indian weapon containing the words Flamboyant, Ritual, Temple or Malabar will produce equally "impractical" swords.
Not to mention a few Naga weapons.

Estcrh, if you find yours I will be interested to see a photoraph please.

Cheers
Roy

[estcrh]

Originally Posted by Royston

Thanks Gents, you are probably right.

In it's defence though, I would say two things.

The tip is not flimsy, I think it would penetrate mail.

As to functionality, a quick look at the archives here and on google for any Indian weapon containing the words Flamboyant, Ritual, Temple or Malabar will produce equally "impractical" swords.
Not to mention a few Naga weapons.

Estcrh, if you find yours I will be interested to see a photoraph please.

Cheers
Roy

Roy, I will find it for sure but it will probably take a few days...or weeks...so many boxes!!! Your example is much nicer than mine, as it has wood grips that are not riveted but seem to be attached with some type of adhesive.

[Victrix]

The mail piercing blades that I've seen typically have quite narrow and very pointed blades with a slight taper towards the hilt. This knife seems to have a rather thick point which might struggle to penetrate the mail. I could imagine the knife used to penetrate plate armour and then use a downward movement to slice it open like a can opener? But it seems the blade lacks a sharp edge?

[mariusgmioc]

A blunt and honest answer:

the blade is tourist crap.

Sorry!

[Royston]

Originally Posted by mariusgmioc

A blunt and honest answer:

the blade is tourist crap.

Sorry!

Glad that is sorted out then

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

The sword n' gun makers in Afghanistan have been turning stuff like this out for ages ... The carvings whilst coarsely executed are reminiscent of finer work... actually the souk in Chicken street Kabul is full of these and similar, whilst down the road really good work is being made with Koftgari and all. In other shops close by you can find genuine old examples. I would agree on tourist material here, however, these are not weak blades and would go through most heavy leather clothing ...The blades are strong. After a while these are easy to spot as they have a look about them of late Qajar carvings naively done..interesting that they are being made in the same old way as the originals were... and often apprentice pieces ...

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

[estcrh]

Originally Posted by Royston

Thanks Gents, you are probably right.

In it's defence though, I would say two things.

The tip is not flimsy, I think it would penetrate mail.

As to functionality, a quick look at the archives here and on google for any Indian weapon containing the words Flamboyant, Ritual, Temple or Malabar will produce equally "impractical" swords.
Not to mention a few Naga weapons.

Estcrh, if you find yours I will be interested to see a photoraph please.

Cheers
Roy

Roy as promised. A very similar one but much plainer and mine. Yours is of a much higher quality as I mentioned.