Indian "executioner" Tulwar

Tim Simmons · 17th April 2006, 08:56 PM

These talwar hilted Khyber knives worry me. I am sure weapons were regularly reused and salvaged. I once had one where the tang had a screw thread cut into it and the handle had been tapped, just all a little fishy and to my mind the doubt would far outweigh the cost of this one.

Jim McDougall · 18th April 2006, 03:43 AM

Hi Tim,
That what what I was thinking as well, and although I noted the 'creativity' of the armourers of the Northwest Frontier, most Afghans were rather substantial physically and the typically small tulwar and restrictive tulwar hilts would not have agreed with them. By the same token, the Indian warriors of the region, favored slashing blades of sabres, and these heavy Khyber blades would not have been favored. Therefore, this paradoxical example seems unlikely for use, however it does present a rather attractive appearance for souvenier hunters possibly of the Raj period.
Best regards,
Jim

ariel · 18th April 2006, 04:04 AM

here is a true Indian Executioner sword from Leeds Armoury ( I was the photographer, and Richard Avedon I am emphatically not!)
Look at the length of the handle permitting two-hand grip in a multitude of positions, smooth blade without any T-spine, and economical design: short and heavy blade.

18th April 2006, 04:04 AM	#3
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	here is a true Indian Executioner sword from Leeds Armoury ( I was the photographer, and Richard Avedon I am emphatically not!) Look at the length of the handle permitting two-hand grip in a multitude of positions, smooth blade without any T-spine, and economical design: short and heavy blade. Attached Images

17th April 2006, 08:56 PM	#1
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,844	These talwar hilted Khyber knives worry me. I am sure weapons were regularly reused and salvaged. I once had one where the tang had a screw thread cut into it and the handle had been tapped, just all a little fishy and to my mind the doubt would far outweigh the cost of this one.

18th April 2006, 03:43 AM	#2
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,200	Hi Tim, That what what I was thinking as well, and although I noted the 'creativity' of the armourers of the Northwest Frontier, most Afghans were rather substantial physically and the typically small tulwar and restrictive tulwar hilts would not have agreed with them. By the same token, the Indian warriors of the region, favored slashing blades of sabres, and these heavy Khyber blades would not have been favored. Therefore, this paradoxical example seems unlikely for use, however it does present a rather attractive appearance for souvenier hunters possibly of the Raj period. Best regards, Jim