Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post

Gavin Nugent · 2nd March 2016, 11:49 PM

One of my major loves is Tibet and Bhutanese weapons and I've been lucky enough to have sourced some very fine examples from the regions.

Below is one such sword that I'd like to share.

The sword is 102.5cms long out of its scabbard and the long tapering single edged blade shows a very fine tapering hairpin pattern which points to the blade being manufactured in this manner, not modified from the typical hatchet tip type. Of interest is both the edge and spine taper to create a symmetrical profile. Whilst I have seen many much shorter variations with this blade type, this is one of the very few I have noted at such an impressive length.

The scabbard is also unusual in that it is only repousse silver fittings over leather with some very unusual designs to the silver.

The Tibetan swords with the typical hatchet tips, to me, when swung, are usually committed and beyond the point of return, ideally suited to horse back.
This sword is akin to a fine Chinese Jian which is perfectly balanced for a deadly slash or thrust.

Gavin

2nd March 2016, 11:49 PM	#1
Gavin Nugent Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 2,818	An old Tibetan warrior One of my major loves is Tibet and Bhutanese weapons and I've been lucky enough to have sourced some very fine examples from the regions. Below is one such sword that I'd like to share. The sword is 102.5cms long out of its scabbard and the long tapering single edged blade shows a very fine tapering hairpin pattern which points to the blade being manufactured in this manner, not modified from the typical hatchet tip type. Of interest is both the edge and spine taper to create a symmetrical profile. Whilst I have seen many much shorter variations with this blade type, this is one of the very few I have noted at such an impressive length. The scabbard is also unusual in that it is only repousse silver fittings over leather with some very unusual designs to the silver. The Tibetan swords with the typical hatchet tips, to me, when swung, are usually committed and beyond the point of return, ideally suited to horse back. This sword is akin to a fine Chinese Jian which is perfectly balanced for a deadly slash or thrust. Gavin Attached Images Last edited by Gavin Nugent; 3rd March 2016 at 01:57 AM.