Kaskara for comment

Mefidk · 29th April 2011, 05:52 PM

Guys, thats really fantastic information. Thank you. I'm not more confused, but I guess I'm beginning to see just how much there is to know that I don't know

...but that's one of the great attractions of these weapons - lots to find out and no easy way to do it

stephen wood · 29th April 2011, 06:57 PM

...a very interesting discussion.

One key difference between the kaskara and the takouba is the tang:

Kaskaras have a shorter, blunt tang which has a hole for an iron peg to hold the hilt assembly together. Like a mamluk sword.

Takoubas have a longer tang which is peened at the pommel. Like a European sword.

While I was researching my talk on the Kaskara for the Arms and Armour Society I found that it had been around for a long time: this 1821 image of a King of Sennar is the earliest depiction of which I am aware, although I know of earlier descriptions.

Iain · 29th April 2011, 07:14 PM

Great illustration Stephen and nice to have a date attached as well. Very much appreciated that you posted it.

The hilting is one of the main aspects I was getting at which differentiate the two types. As Ed was noting kaskara mounting could took place in a rough form for later finishing. That's simply not possible with takouba. The use of substantial, balance oriented pommels is another aspect where the two types are very different. As you note the kaskara method seems directly related to Mamluk weaponry. So, as much as blade sources may overlap the relationship between the two weapons seems to start and end with blades and that's about all they have in common.

By the way I sent you a PM, not sure if you go it as I hadn't heard back yet.

29th April 2011, 06:57 PM	#2
stephen wood Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 227	...a very interesting discussion. One key difference between the kaskara and the takouba is the tang: Kaskaras have a shorter, blunt tang which has a hole for an iron peg to hold the hilt assembly together. Like a mamluk sword. Takoubas have a longer tang which is peened at the pommel. Like a European sword. While I was researching my talk on the Kaskara for the Arms and Armour Society I found that it had been around for a long time: this 1821 image of a King of Sennar is the earliest depiction of which I am aware, although I know of earlier descriptions. Attached Images

29th April 2011, 05:52 PM	#1
Mefidk Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Denmark Posts: 157	Guys, thats really fantastic information. Thank you. I'm not more confused, but I guess I'm beginning to see just how much there is to know that I don't know ...but that's one of the great attractions of these weapons - lots to find out and no easy way to do it

29th April 2011, 07:14 PM	#3
Iain Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Olomouc Posts: 1,717	Great illustration Stephen and nice to have a date attached as well. Very much appreciated that you posted it. The hilting is one of the main aspects I was getting at which differentiate the two types. As Ed was noting kaskara mounting could took place in a rough form for later finishing. That's simply not possible with takouba. The use of substantial, balance oriented pommels is another aspect where the two types are very different. As you note the kaskara method seems directly related to Mamluk weaponry. So, as much as blade sources may overlap the relationship between the two weapons seems to start and end with blades and that's about all they have in common. By the way I sent you a PM, not sure if you go it as I hadn't heard back yet.