On the 'kaskara'

[Andrew]

Originally Posted by ham

I think this is very interesting. Is it really so much a function of backing the hand as it is ergonomically facilitating the draw?

I think we're saying the same thing-- backing the hand ergonomically facilitates the draw. The pommel, whatever its form, be it shamshir or kaskara, acts as an anchor at the heel of the hand when the blade is pulled through the cut.
Is anyone on the Sword Forum researching the drawcut in Islamic cultures? Precious little written on swordsmanship in Arabic, Ottoman or Persian that I could find.

Ham

I think I understand, Ham. Such pommels would clearly aid in securing one's grip when pulling through the cut.

However, other weapons that utilize the drawcut (e.g. katana) do not have such an anchor in the pommel, so I wonder if other purposes might be divined for the feature. The impression I get from the large pommels found on swords like tulwar, kaskara and, to an extent, certain vikingswords is that the the tightness of the grip coupled with the size/shape of the pommel limits wrist movement, thus "forcing" the elbow and shoulder movements into the drawcut.

I didn't always think this way, but for a time I was convinced that fingering the quillion on tulwar was a logical way to reconcile the tight grip and disc pommel. Others here more experienced than I have nearly succeeded in disabusing me of this. At least enough for me to consider other reasons for the handle design.

It's possible that Alina Boyden may be researching Arabic sword arts, but I'm uncertain to what extent. She posts on myArmoury.com and SFI from time to time.

Andrew