Stephen,
Local vs. foreign blade sources has often been a sticking point in kaskara attributions. Usually local smiths can produce a blade almost indistinguishable from munitions grade German work. I've wondered for a while if Blade Taper could be indicative of whether a kaskara type blade was forged locally or foreign. Bill M's blade has a slight taper throughout its length and then has a shallow "V" at the end and, as you say, would be indicative of foreign origin. I have four kaskara, locally made, that exhibit a steeper taper almost all the way to the end with a steeper point.
Both groups had files, etc. for final shaping of the blade. The difference may be related to the initial steel billet distributed to blade smiths before the forging process begins. European "put-out" systems would have had a more controlled system with more uniform billets that would yield uniform swords, made to contract specifications for length and width than what may have been available to Kassala smiths. Local forgers may have needed a more pronounced taper to achieve the target length with non-uniform billets.
Your thoughts?
Regards,
Ed
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