Vietnamese, Burmese, Thai?

[DavidFriedman]

These are 40 inches. Do you think that they would be used in a pair, as are Thai Dha?

Originally Posted by Ren Ren

My guess is that these items come from Northwest Vietnam.

[Ren Ren]

Originally Posted by DavidFriedman

These are 40 inches. Do you think that they would be used in a pair, as are Thai Dha?

I like your question, but I don't have an answer yet. In the North of Vietnam, along the border with China, paired objects are widespread. But I am not sure that the same customs exist in the Northwest of Vietnam, on the border with Laos. This needs to be checked.
I just started to discover this region of Vietnam. This is an amazing place with a huge natural and ethnic diversity. I heard from biologists that in this region there are species of animals and plants typical of the West - for India and Indo-China, for the East - for China and East Asia, and for the North - for Tibet, Mongolia and even Siberia. Also, several dozen small peoples live there, speaking the languages ​​​​of four or even five large language groups. On our planet, such diversity is probably found only in the Caucasus. But it is still a little explored and hard to reach place, and many discoveries will be made there.

[DavidFriedman]

Sounds like an interesting area. I will try and look it up. Thanks

Originally Posted by Ren Ren

I like your question, but I don't have an answer yet. In the North of Vietnam, along the border with China, paired objects are widespread. But I am not sure that the same customs exist in the Northwest of Vietnam, on the border with Laos. This needs to be checked.
I just started to discover this region of Vietnam. This is an amazing place with a huge natural and ethnic diversity. I heard from biologists that in this region there are species of animals and plants typical of the West - for India and Indo-China, for the East - for China and East Asia, and for the North - for Tibet, Mongolia and even Siberia. Also, several dozen small peoples live there, speaking the languages ​​​​of four or even five large language groups. On our planet, such diversity is probably found only in the Caucasus. But it is still a little explored and hard to reach place, and many discoveries will be made there.

[kronckew]

The Thai use of double swords in Krabbi Krabong is a display thing. Real soldiers being sensible, used a single sword and a shield, And wore helmets. They had to contend with archers, not just admiring crowds.

[DavidFriedman]

Excellent point. Perhaps the double saber/sword use could also spill over into non military duels.

I’m more familiar with the Chinese’s paired knives/sabers, and haven’t really seen much of the Thai styles. But yes, showmanship and street performances are a much different animal than battle skills. Good point. Thank you.

Originally Posted by kronckew

The Thai use of double swords in Krabbi Krabong is a display thing. Real soldiers being sensible, used a single sword and a shield, And wore helmets. They had to contend with archers, not just admiring crowds.

[David R]

Originally Posted by kronckew

The Thai use of double swords in Krabbi Krabong is a display thing. Real soldiers being sensible, used a single sword and a shield, And wore helmets. They had to contend with archers, not just admiring crowds.

Same for a lot of "Martial Arts" eye catching displays to attract the punters, and something very different when faced with a real threat!

[kronckew]

Originally Posted by David R

Same for a lot of "Martial Arts" eye catching displays to attract the punters, and something very different when faced with a real threat!

Another common fallacy is that they are 'Two-handed swords'. They are not.
The extra-long grips are to counterbalance the blade. There are a few instances when the addition of the off-hand on the pommel end can be used to add power to a strike, usually when the opponent is already down and the need to counter is less important than forcefully finishing the argument. There are a few that are SO long that they must be used two handed, more like a short pole-arm, but that is a bit unusual.

[Ren Ren]

First and fourth swords from Son La province in Northwestern Vietnam. My friend took this photo with his phone at the Quai Branly Museum in Paris.