Great knife Charles, you can just get lost in that Wootz, and great info and pics from the other members.
The dark colour of the blade and hilt have me thinking (I know it's a dangerous thing), but apart from the beauty, was there a 'tactical reason' for the dark steel (or encouragement to have this type of steel etched dark).
I mean, this would make a great assassins dagger, just like modern day tactical knives which are painted or coated black.
I wouldn't be surprised if this type of steel was used with assassins weapons, or for night time use, after all the bagh naka which is designed to be concealed in the hand, was the weapon used to assassinate Bijapur General Afzal Khan by Maharata Emperor Shivaji.
...my evening ramble,
Runjeet
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