Ox-Cutter

Bill M · 2nd February 2007, 12:53 AM

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

Ferguson · 2nd February 2007, 11:14 AM

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

Steve

katana · 2nd February 2007, 11:42 AM

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

Joe · 2nd February 2007, 07:20 PM

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.).

Flavio · 2nd February 2007, 07:25 PM

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

Runjeet Singh · 2nd February 2007, 09:00 PM

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

2nd February 2007, 12:53 AM	#1
Bill M Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: USA Georgia Posts: 1,599	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 Attached Images

2nd February 2007, 11:14 AM	#2
Ferguson Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Kernersville, NC, USA Posts: 793	I can't add much, except that it's beautiful! Steve

2nd February 2007, 11:42 AM	#3
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,653	First time I have seen this 'form' Bill ....very nice ...love the curves

2nd February 2007, 07:20 PM	#4
Joe Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: McDonough, GA Posts: 48	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.).

2nd February 2007, 07:25 PM	#5
Flavio Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Italia Posts: 1,243	Bill, this is truly a beautiful and scary sword!!!! Congratulations

2nd February 2007, 09:00 PM	#6
Runjeet Singh Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Warwickshire, England Posts: 150	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