A thought on Indian weapons

Jeff D · 25th January 2009, 03:55 PM

Beautiful Talwar Jens,

It is a interesting feature you bring up Jens. You see the narrowing from frequent sharpening not uncommonly on Talwars with laminated or mono-steel, and rarely on wootz blades. This same feature can be seen on some central Asian sabers but rarely anywhere else. I have read, but can't remember where, that the Sikhs' were obsessive with sharping their blades. It was mentioned that it was quite a dishonor to have a dull blade. I would think then that the narrowing more represents use and custom more than age. Your point that a hilt with minimum wear would not likely be original to a well used blade, would seems valid.
Is it possible that the blade was intentionally ground down to lighten the blade? If so then your hilt may in-fact have been the original one.

All the Best
Jeff

25th January 2009, 03:55 PM	#7
Jeff D Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: B.C. Canada Posts: 473	Beautiful Talwar Jens, It is a interesting feature you bring up Jens. You see the narrowing from frequent sharpening not uncommonly on Talwars with laminated or mono-steel, and rarely on wootz blades. This same feature can be seen on some central Asian sabers but rarely anywhere else. I have read, but can't remember where, that the Sikhs' were obsessive with sharping their blades. It was mentioned that it was quite a dishonor to have a dull blade. I would think then that the narrowing more represents use and custom more than age. Your point that a hilt with minimum wear would not likely be original to a well used blade, would seems valid. Is it possible that the blade was intentionally ground down to lighten the blade? If so then your hilt may in-fact have been the original one. All the Best Jeff