I cannot thank you enough for such kind words reviewing my interview with Sergey, which was incredibly enlightening on this very esoteric subject .
While I have done some collecting and study in these areas over the years, his article revealed so much to me, and it was exciting to see Caucasian edged weapons through such a fascinating new prism.
As you note, these arms are remarkable in their aesthetic beauty, and one cannot help but see them in that perspective, but what Sergey has presented is a valuable new dimension in recognizing the nuances which surround the forms. These factors are important in better understanding the history of the weapons, which is an area which I hope will develop further, and encourage more study and material.
This is indeed the new age of research in arms, where resources are at our fingertips, far from the times of book searches that took months and years, not to mention expense. Interlibrary loans , mailed letters with responses (if lucky) that could take months, were frustrating,
I recall a number of years ago, as I was describing the 'old days' when I first began researching, and these elements .......and one of our members said to me......' yeah Jim, but they still had papyrus then didnt they !!????
I do look forward to more interviews in this medium, and hope I can contribute more as you suggest. I was very fortunate to have had wonderful communications with many of the notable figures in the study of arms, whose books have stood as the backbone of our research. Sadly, most of them are gone now, but their legacy lives on as we advance in this work.
Onward! and learning together!!!
Thank you so very much Turkoman!!!
Gratefully,
Jim