N2S, Ariel and Spiral, thank you for the answers. Did Ghurkas ever wear gloves or any sort of gauntlets?
A few more questions about the use of these weapons: where was the "sweet spot" located. Did the experienced warrior try to hit with the wide tip, the concave underside of the forward-curving part of the blade, or with the more or less straight part. As I understand concave blades, the cut involves a draw/saw motion as well, the concavity pulling the blade into the wound. Since the awkward hilt did not allow fancy movement, how was the cut achieved? Ultimately, due to the shoulder-led swing was the kora any more efficient than a straight blade?
To my eyes they are still magnificent weapons, and somehow that hilt just "fits", better than the tulwar hilts.
I think many fighters around the world can attest to the efficiency of the AK-47. Does any country still issue bayonets to its troops?
Manolo
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