The second one is outsandingly similar to a "cuchillo criollo" of the gauchos. In both your cases, the widening of the blade after the hilt acted as a handguard to prevent the hand slipping down to the blade. It is a usual resource in some type of weapons which are used fastened under the belt, so the cloth does not get hooked so easily as with a traditional crossguard when the owner pulled the knife. The piece that covers the beginning of the blade is not only ornamental. It gives rigidity to the blade and helps in protecting the hand to avoid slipping and have an accidental cut.
Regards
|