Dha handling during cutting

[kahnjar1]

Originally Posted by katana

Traditionally, when held one-handed, where would the hand grip the handle.... Towards the pommel end or near to the ferrule (blade) ?

I would have thought the positioning of the hand would also affect the vibration felt.

Instinctively, I grip near to the ferrule end .....so effectively my hand is around the tang as I feel that this is the safest placement to prevent the force of the strike ripping the tang through the rattan handle....maybe I'm being 'over cautious'

Regards David

I have just got hold of a copy of the movie The Legend of Suriyothai. A Thai made historical movie, and the prolific use of Dha in battle and in ritual beheading, suggests that either the tang length was longer in those days or the short tang is quite sufficient. I DO realise that a certain amount of artistic licence was probably taken, but the Dha IS a weapon to be used.

Mark--if you have not seen this movie, I'm sure you will like it, as it shows PLENTY of Dha as well other Thai weapons such as pole arms.
Regards Stuart

[katana]

Originally Posted by kahnjar1

, and the prolific use of Dha in battle and in ritual beheading, suggests that either the tang length was longer in those days or the short tang is quite sufficient.

Thankyou Andrew for your reply..


The Dha I own, had a slightly loose blade and I was able to dismantle it....the tang is 4.5 inches (11.5 cms) on a blade 19.5 inches (nearly 50cms) which I understand is longer than usual (most seem to be 3.5" ...even on longer blades). Is there a possibillity that this is an very old blade ?


The resin used to fix Tulwar blades has shock absorbing qualities, but the relative large size of the void in the hilt (compared to the tang) means there is much more resin surrounding the tang. When compared to the more tightly fitted tang / handle void of the Dha..... so little help there with the possible vibration absorbtion via the 'fixative'.

The rattan handles would slightly flex as an object is struck, are the majority of truly functional Dha made from this material ?


Regards David

[PUFF]

Tangs could be short or long. But, from what I notice from 100+ yo blade, they end up at the grip area.



The grip area traditionally "defined" at the midle of its hilt. But some modern construction blades come with huge moment of inertia. Then, martial artists, practitioners and also masters have to compensate by hold it a bit closer to its CG.

Here 's some pic of real cutting.
http://www.geocities.com/mooyim_9999/webpage/killer.htm