Burmese Dha/ Thai Daab...why Guardless????

[fearn]

Hi Aiontay,

We pretty much agree. I'd note that, for chopping, hand shock really, really matters, and it's easier to make a new wooden handle than a new metal blade. I'm guessing for the hill tribes (who like the long hilts), on a simple, wooden-hilt dha, they'd probably start with too long a hilt and cut it shorter until they got it right.

As you noted, a simple, guardless design is more versatile than (most) guarded blades.

Finally, it's not hard to tune a simple, straight blade. All you have to do is find the sweet spot and tap it on something, and move your hand up and down the hilt until you're comfortable.

With something that's curved or odd-shaped, it's going to take more work to get everything right.

Best,

F