Unusual Dha

[kahnjar1]

Gavin has asked for info re these. I believe that we are all still learning and that is half the excitment of collecting.
As has been stated elsewhere there is very little written about these swords that appears in the general marketplace. I have found that if you search there are a number of books which refer (at least in a small way) to Dha swords and Knives.
Apart from the Dha Research Archive which is a real goldmine, try the magnificent catalogue produced by the Macau Museum subsequent to their exhibition of the History of Steel in Eastern Asia. Also there is a book by P & E Lewis entitled Peoples of the Golden Triangle. Detailed information of the various Tribes and profusely illustrated including pics of Dha. Stones Glossary also has reference to Dha, as no doubt have many other publications which I am not aware of.
The web also is worth investigating. Check a site called BURMA ISSUES or just key in the particular Tribes name. Lots of pics and historical info here.

Now to the Climbing Rope earlier in this post. If you can get hold of any old SASH CORD as used in the old type "rise and fall" house windows, it is absolutely ideal for replacing Dha Baldrics as it was of cotton weave, not nylon as in the modern stuff. Not easy to get but try your local house wrecker.
Hope this is of some use.
Stuart

[Gavin Nugent]

Thanks gents, your input and knowledge is most valuable. Much for me to say, but not a lot of time....
Mark the picture you posted with the Dha research link is that type of blade I have mostly seen on these beautiful weapons, I will look at that link more closely.
Jim, you are absolutely right, this is the place to be. As I endeavour to collect weapons that are a little "different" I know I can rely on valuable input in these forums to reveal much more about them.
Stuart, thanks for bringing your knives to light, I'd almost say our knives are twins...Thanks too for the reference points, I'll be reading lots this Christmas.

Thanks again guys, great studying with you.

Gav.

PS can anyone pinpoint a Dha in their research with a clipped point that predates the British occupation of South East Asia?

[PUFF]

Regarding to the baldrics, you may ask Cozun. He has a supplier of authentic cotton Dahb baldric from northern Thailand.

IMO: The clip point 's not very new. This piece 's about 16C-18C (central Siam, Ayuthaya period).



also this one...

[kronckew]

re replacement baldrics:

someone posted a source for 'proper' thai braided cotton baldrics in various colours here - thru cozun's , i might eventually order some of those for my larger dha's; meanwhile the local field expedient of using the nicely decorative nylon vs. the plain waxed (thus difficult to colour) cotton sash cord expedient i could also buy suits me.

i'm not as conservative for unattached non-permanent addons as i would be for reconstuction of the sword itself, i'd like to think an indiginous dha user who would be in need of replacing his baldric would use what he had readily to hand, possibly selecting a more decorative of two alternatives, which is what i'm doing. feel free to flame me for being practical & not being traditional.

i tried some sash cord on my first dha (the one with the kukri above), can't say i like it much. from what i saw in the other thread proper dha baldrics would be more expensive also at 46$ (£23) ea. the large dia. colored climbing rope is £0.80/metre x 5.5m. = £4.40 ea. waxed white cotton sash cord is about £5 for 10m. (will do 2 dha's if careful), unwaxed jute sash cord a bit cheaper & scratchier & not nice...heck, might even try making one out of cotton string, with a circular braid & dye it myself. string is cheap. i also note that halter rope comes in a variety of matls. and colours. will have to pop in to the local saddlery shop next time i go to town....