I Fear the Worst
Ian,
Thanks for the link to your blade. While the guard on your dagger is asymmetrical, it isn’t as emphatically so as mine is with its knuckle bow. Also the hilt on yours is fittingly symmetrical whereas mine was definitely asymmetrical when the pommel was intact. To me, your hilt and guard look right, mine don’t. By the way, the stereotypical Italian switchblade with its double edged stiletto blade has an “s” shaped guard (which usually also serves as a lock release).
Battara,
If you could post some examples of a symmetrical blade with an asymmetrical hilt and guard, I’d love to see them. I’d also like to see some Luzon examples of tangs protruding from hilts without being peened over some sort of washer or butt cap. I really would like to believe in some sort of cross cultural situation but I fear it is more likely that some Philippine guy born in the latter part of the 20th century and without a real understanding of 19th century aesthetics, had a blade that needed a hilt and a hilt that needed a blade.
Sincerely,
RobT
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