Unusual Indian dagger / short sword

[Rich]

That tip looks very fragile to me to be a mail piercer. Looks like it would break off on first use. Otherwise an interesting blade.

Rich

[Battara]

I agree - looks unusable since it will break near the tip under stress and is more like a fantasy piece - maybe more like a modern custom dagger made to look old?

[estcrh]

Originally Posted by Battara

I agree - looks unusable since it will break near the tip under stress and is more like a fantasy piece - maybe more like a modern custom dagger made to look old?

I have a very similar one...somewere.....I will try to find it, surprisingly the steel is really very strong but I think these are modern made, I have seen a few for sale in the last couple of years.

[Bob A]

I agree also. Serious mechanical drawback in the design.

I've never seen anything remotely resembling this sort of construct, which is not to say it doesn't exist, obviously, but as to utility, meh.

[Royston]

Thanks Gents, you are probably right.

In it's defence though, I would say two things.

The tip is not flimsy, I think it would penetrate mail.

As to functionality, a quick look at the archives here and on google for any Indian weapon containing the words Flamboyant, Ritual, Temple or Malabar will produce equally "impractical" swords.
Not to mention a few Naga weapons.

Estcrh, if you find yours I will be interested to see a photoraph please.

Cheers
Roy

[estcrh]

Originally Posted by Royston

Thanks Gents, you are probably right.

In it's defence though, I would say two things.

The tip is not flimsy, I think it would penetrate mail.

As to functionality, a quick look at the archives here and on google for any Indian weapon containing the words Flamboyant, Ritual, Temple or Malabar will produce equally "impractical" swords.
Not to mention a few Naga weapons.

Estcrh, if you find yours I will be interested to see a photoraph please.

Cheers
Roy

Roy, I will find it for sure but it will probably take a few days...or weeks...so many boxes!!! Your example is much nicer than mine, as it has wood grips that are not riveted but seem to be attached with some type of adhesive.

[Victrix]

The mail piercing blades that I've seen typically have quite narrow and very pointed blades with a slight taper towards the hilt. This knife seems to have a rather thick point which might struggle to penetrate the mail. I could imagine the knife used to penetrate plate armour and then use a downward movement to slice it open like a can opener? But it seems the blade lacks a sharp edge?

[mariusgmioc]

A blunt and honest answer:

the blade is tourist crap.

Sorry!

[estcrh]

Originally Posted by Royston

Thanks Gents, you are probably right.

In it's defence though, I would say two things.

The tip is not flimsy, I think it would penetrate mail.

As to functionality, a quick look at the archives here and on google for any Indian weapon containing the words Flamboyant, Ritual, Temple or Malabar will produce equally "impractical" swords.
Not to mention a few Naga weapons.

Estcrh, if you find yours I will be interested to see a photoraph please.

Cheers
Roy

Roy as promised. A very similar one but much plainer and mine. Yours is of a much higher quality as I mentioned.