Ox-Cutter
 

Recent acquisition. Indian Ox-Cutter. Sossun Patta I believe it is called. Big piece with heavy blade. 34" in a straight line from tip to pommel end. I know very little about these and would appreciate comments.

Bill

I can't add much, except that it's beautiful!

Steve

First time I have seen this 'form' Bill ....very nice ...love the curves :)

Congrats Bill. I've always wanted one, but never had the scratch needed to buy one.

But as far as history goes, I don't think anyone has ever reached a conclusion with these. I do recall that there were some great theories, one that they were used by palace guards, another about being for sacrifices, and another about being possible ceremony pieces.

But since you own one now, it'd be great if you could post the stats on it (center of gravity, thickness, sharpness, ect.).

Bill, this is truly a beautiful and scary sword!!!! Congratulations

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

Found out a little more information. The spike on the end was used as an additional handhold for two handed slash-chops.

I was wondering about this because as a one-handed sword it is unwieldy. But as a two-handed sword it really moves well.

Bill:

You may recall this discussion on the old Forum: http://www.vikingsword.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/001142.html

A truly massive sword!

Ian.

It may not be of any help, but I can say the museams & collections I saw in Nepal exhibited no similar designs, whatsover.

Spiral

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" :D

And here is a smaller version: total lenght 27", blade only 23", blade width 1.5"
I hereby name it "Hamster Slayer" :D
I have earned immortality! :o :o :o