2nd Caucasian Kindjal for comment

[fernando]

Originally Posted by freebooter

... In a martial application though, this piece is not as quick from the scabbard or through the air or as comfortable in the hand? Is there a reason for this, is it purely a status/display piece? ...

Well Gav,
It could be that, decoration and embelishment seldom imply efectiveness. It appears that operational weapons for field action often offer a plain look, whereas decorated items are for showing off ... be them luxury pieces used by rulers and other big shots in cerimonies or the like, or low profile stuff for souvenirs, either for tourists or for the boys to bring back home.
Fernando