Kirk Laddered Kard

archer · 8th January 2009, 02:41 AM

Ariel, I think that the large grips were to protect the koftgari designs between the hilt slabs. Only a fine lines remain, if at all on this one. So this one may have had slabs changed at some time. The only other rational for the large grips as with the bali keris hilts for show at court.

Regards,
Steve

ward · 8th January 2009, 02:55 AM

Ariel is right, bigger grips = Central Asia. Those guys were and are physically larger than most and larger grips give a better grip for a downward thrust.

G. McCormack · 8th January 2009, 05:50 AM

You guys have any similar examples with grips like this? Screams composite to me, maybe old composite, but nonetheless-

The grip-to-ricasso area just looks silly and I've got to think those thick grips are impractical. Horn looks to have age though, lovely blade....

ALEX · 8th January 2009, 09:31 AM

The grips are not unusual. Here're similarly shaped: http://www.oriental-arms.com/photos.php?id=274
Agree with Ariel and Ward - Central Asian, perhaps Buharan or other ...stan countries. I have very similar dagger with large horn grips, and the hold is quite comfortable even for my small hands:-).
The blade is very nice indeed, Steve. The ladder pattern is rare on daggers, and yours is of good quality. My guess would be that the blade is older than the rest, and the chiseling is fairly recent, and not contemporary with the blade. Here is example of 18th century Persian chiseling, note the difference in quality.

8th January 2009, 02:41 AM	#1
archer Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 373	Large handles Ariel, I think that the large grips were to protect the koftgari designs between the hilt slabs. Only a fine lines remain, if at all on this one. So this one may have had slabs changed at some time. The only other rational for the large grips as with the bali keris hilts for show at court. Regards, Steve

8th January 2009, 09:31 AM	#4
ALEX Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 936	The grips are not unusual. Here're similarly shaped: http://www.oriental-arms.com/photos.php?id=274 Agree with Ariel and Ward - Central Asian, perhaps Buharan or other ...stan countries. I have very similar dagger with large horn grips, and the hold is quite comfortable even for my small hands:-). The blade is very nice indeed, Steve. The ladder pattern is rare on daggers, and yours is of good quality. My guess would be that the blade is older than the rest, and the chiseling is fairly recent, and not contemporary with the blade. Here is example of 18th century Persian chiseling, note the difference in quality. Attached Images

8th January 2009, 02:55 AM	#2
ward Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 637	Ariel is right, bigger grips = Central Asia. Those guys were and are physically larger than most and larger grips give a better grip for a downward thrust.

8th January 2009, 05:50 AM	#3
G. McCormack Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Tallahassee, FL Posts: 131	You guys have any similar examples with grips like this? Screams composite to me, maybe old composite, but nonetheless- The grip-to-ricasso area just looks silly and I've got to think those thick grips are impractical. Horn looks to have age though, lovely blade....