False Edge on a Curved Blade?

[Stan S.]

As we all know, many swords with a curved, saber-like blade have a false edge. While in cases of a straight blade it is undoubtedly a feature that assists in thrusting or a backhand slash, I fail to understand its purpose on a curved blade. That is of course with an exception of the swords with a well pronounced yelman, which adds weight to the tip of the blade, allowing for a stronger blow. Knives with a curved blade are clearly different, as they can be used for stabbing but I would imagine that attempting to stab someone with a flexible shamshir of 30”+ in length is probably not a good idea. Even in case of knives/daggers, many stabbing weapons (i. e. khyber knife, pesh kabz, etc.) will feature a T-spine instead of a false edge, so I would draw a conclusion that a blade are not really designed for stabbing unless they display a certain rigidity. Which bring me back to the question of why have false edges on curved swords..?

In retrospect, about a week ago I was examining some of my collection and noticed an interesting peculiarity. I have these 3 swords that were acquired from separate sources over a period of time (see pictures below). The first 2 are likely from South India, and while the 3rd was sold to me as a “South Indian Makara Hilted Tulwar”, it could be from a different region all together. All 3 are basically tulwar variants, and as such have locally made blades of varying quality. Now looking at them close together I noticed the absence of a false edge on all 3 blades. There are no t-spines or fullers either, or anything else that would reinforce the blade. I am assuming that they are intended strictly for slashing but so are the traditional tulwar blades with a false edge… So why have it if you don’t need it? Or why not have it if you do? Is this a matter of aesthetics or is it something else?

[Rich]

I have two tulwar with damascus blades, both have a false edge extending about 8 inches from the point. I would guess (?) that a false edge would allow the sword to work better for thrusting if such action was needed. Just speculation.

Rich S

[Stan S.]

Thats exactly what I am trying to understand: How would you thrust with a long curved blade, especially when your wrist movements are restricted by the disk pommel of the tulwar?

[Rich]

In the midst of battle, either from horseback or on foot, you don't always have a choice as to how to use a sword; you just kill the enemy anyway you can - slash or thrust or beat them over the head with it.

Rich S

[Jim McDougall]

As far as I can see, the first two sabres with 'Hindu basket hilt' are most likely Rajput weapons, and not from South India, more probably to Rajasthan and northwestern regions. The tulwar term is of course simply a term for sword in Hindi, and in this case these are heavier versions of 'shamshir' blade. The shamshir is entirely a cutting weapon made for slashing cuts. The third sabre with makara head is also most likely from the same regions, which may be extended of course beyond Rajasthan to Gujerat, Kutch, Sind, etc. but as with most Indian arms regional attribution is difficult.

Tulwars with the recognizable disc pommel Indo-Persian hilts typically have as noted blades which reflect European influenced 'false edge' (sharpened back edge toward point). This feature was undoubtedly present on the sabres in other instances however they did become notably present on European forms. This development on European cavalry sabres was primarily to afford dual purpose, cut and thrust potential to these swords.

While the deadly thrust was favored by the French cuirassiers using the straight rigid blades of their heavy pallasches ....the light cavalry using sabres often also 'gave point' in thier charge. The standard position for the sword in the cavalry charge which was used through the end of the 18th into virtually the 20th century was the high tierce or tierce point...the sword held high with straight arm and blade pointed forward slight cant downward.
The idea for the sharpened back was that it was apparantly easier to withdraw from the target body and in slashing cuts it moved through more effectively.

In shamshir blades the point of percussion is different and the draw cut favored, therefore no false edge is present......the shamshir blade in its truest form is typically radiused to sharp point without yelman (which is added on many sabre blades to add momentum to slashing cut). There are of course many variant types throughout Central Asia and Ottoman sphere with less prominant yelman than the 'kilij' type swords or pala. These type blades also influenced tulwar blades in India as Mughal courts followed Ottoman as well as Persian influences in variation throughout that empire.

The first two sabre seem to have earlier hilts than the blades. As has been well pointed out, the heat of combat lends to any range of means in the use of any weapon, but largely warriors were heavily conditioned to react and respond in accord with thier constant training. Certain degree of adaption of course became present with European influences as various kinds of blades became available and exposure to equally variant tactics and techniques came into play.

Nice and interesting examples and its always good to see the swords of India brought up for discussion. Thank you for posting them.

All best regards,
Jim

[Stan S.]

Thank you for a great response. I can see now how curved tulwars could be used for a thrusting charge on horseback, sort of like a lance, especially against infantry. And, as you imply, it would require holding the sword in a rigidly outstretched hand pointed forward and probably with a wrist turned inward, thus keeping the blade’s side facing the ground to minimize chances of the tip glancing off opponents armor/skull/ribcage. If so, a false edge would make the business end of the sword more flexible and easier to withdraw from the target as the rider quickly passes it on horseback. A similar principle was applied to another Indian sword – a pata. Many of these feature highly flexible blades that flex not just at the tip but throughout the whole length of the blade.

I am curious however, as to why you would consider my khanda hilted sabers to be from Rajasthan? To me they look like Maratha influenced weapons but I could be wrong ofcourse…