Thanks, Andrew.
I've missed both forums! I was nearly as quiet on IKRHS last year.
JP has been VERY quiet lately.....?
Jim,
We have talked a lot about the cho and the different forms that turn up. Some call the three-pointed example a "temple" cho because it looks a bit like a temple roof. One of the three kukris I posted has a subtle one like this.
I don't know that anyone has really made a compelling argument for what the cho is for. Really old blades didn't have this feature though, so it's something that developed over time.
Some people say the style itself came from the Egyptian kopish, Greek kopis, and Falcatta. You can see why. I think it's generally agreed that it came to Nepal from India.
I made a few calls to Atlanta Cutlery to see if anyone there had any inside information about the huge purchase they made a few years ago. So far, no luck. However, they have agreed to let me go there and photograph as many samples as I can, especially of the inscriptions. If there is repetition or a pattern to be found, that would be a good way to find it. however, I'm about 4 hours from them and I only go through Atlanta a few times a year to see family. If anyone in ATL (hint, Bill Marsh!) feels like paying them a visit, that would be great.
Spiral is a great resource on IKRHS. If he cares to chime in, he can probably add some insight.
-d
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