Short and thick garab

[xasterix]

Finally got this garab after 2.5 years in limbo (it couldn't be shipped from Spain in 2023 because of suddenly stricter blade shipping guidelines). This is the shortest-bladed garab I've wielded so far- a little over 17in blade- but the hilt is generous at 7in, which is perfect for my grip. Spine is 1cm; not much distal taper going on except at the final 1/5th, giving the blade a solid heft. The laminated blade is rigid, and the edge retention is excellent.

Hilt carving is done on both sides, and the rattan wrap is intact. The usual stress crack in used garabs is present, running from under the wrap all the way up to the pommel. I've restored this piece- for a preview of how it performs, refer to my video: https://youtu.be/EMcPtkv3bSA

[Interested Party]

I like the thumb notch. I noticed that you did not use it in the video and that all cuts were bevel side down. How is the handle holding up? It is a pretty one.

[xasterix]

I like the thumb notch. I noticed that you did not use it in the video and that all cuts were bevel side down. How is the handle holding up? It is a pretty one.

Hello sir, nice observation- before each cut I'm using the thumb notch for indexing, but as the blade falls and bites into the target I release it for extra cutting power and post-cut grip dynamics.

The handle doesn't receive any stress as long as the edge is well-aligned and the cut bites deep into the target. The hilt only becomes stressed if the cut is incorrect (edge not aligned), or the target is too rigid (objects that the edge can't penetrate).

I also used that cutting angle because the forward-heavy weight distribution is accelerated better by gravity; horizontal strikes are ultimately more challenging (but still very much possible) with this type of garab.

[Ian]

Hi xas, that one cuts well. Could likely sever a limb without a lot of effort. The knife looks relatively new. Any age estimate?

[xasterix]

Hi xas, that one cuts well. Could likely sever a limb without a lot of effort. The knife looks relatively new. Any age estimate?

Halloo Ian! Based on the spine thickness, robust and rounded-end tang (I saw this when I reset the blade), laminated construction, and well-detailed hilt, I would posit this to be a late 1800s garab :)

[Ian]

Halloo Ian! Based on the spine thickness, robust and rounded-end tang (I saw this when I reset the blade), laminated construction, and well-detailed hilt, I would posit this to be a late 1800s garab :)Interesting. It's very well preserved for that period.

[Sajen]

The one in the up (sec. pic. in the middle) shows a very similar patination when I received it, the age it shows after I oiled the wood.