Katars with or without hand protection

[ariel]

And how do we know that hooded katars were not a S. Indian equivalent of the European main gauche?

[Gavin Nugent]

Originally Posted by ariel

And how do we know that hooded katars were not a S. Indian equivalent of the European main gauche?

That's a very good point Jens.

From a martial point of view, I have always mentioned this aspect in my stock descriptions because when you look at the nature of the hooded katar, there are multiple points that a sword be be blocked/stopped.

These points are in the openings either side of the langet where the side bars protrude and meet the hood and also the hood itself, on the thick hooked terminal at the end of the hood.

A point to remember too is that the katar of hooded type, are typically much longer than their brethren, being easier to engage an incoming strike in defence.

I note the length of side bar extension can vary greatly too.

Gavin

[Jens Nordlunde]

I dont know the answer, but I do find Mercenary's answer quite interesting.
When you use the South Indian with hand guard - with your right hand, and remember that it ususlly had quite a long blade, made for slashing and stapping, as your main weapon it is important to protect the hand. It is a bit less important to protect your left hand, if it is a secondary weapon - as you have your sword - so the katar will be a secondary weapon. But I am guessing, and further research may prove me wrong.