Big, Heavy Flyssa - wield like a shashka?

DaveA · 22nd October 2015, 05:48 PM

Hello All,

Special greetings to the flyssa lovers on this forum. I know there are many threads regarding flyssa on the forum, but I have yet to find one that has any definitive information about the martial use of the weapon.

I have acquired a 42 ¼ inches OAL flyssa. The thickness of the blade is a robust ½ inch at the hilt, tapering to ¼ inch for 16 ½ inches. This is roughly the beginning of the convex "belly" of the edge. Thereafter, the width tapers from ¼ inch to 1/16 inch at the acute tip.

In handling the weapon, it is really only balanced when pointed straight up or straight down. I note that it is also too long to carry in an underarm position, much less stuck through a belt. It occurred to me that the weapon may have been carried on the back, with the hilt protruding over the shoulder. This would resemble how the shashka sword is carried. I'm not suggesting any linkage between the swords other than the mechanics of how it is carried and drawn. The shashka is drawn in an over the head manner that allows it to perform a slashing attack in one movement. The katana has a similar property.

In a personal experiment (without the scabbard, which is in fragile condition), I held the flyssa behind my back as if I had just grabbed the hilt. Surprisingly, it was relatively easy to pull the sword straight up and then swing down without stopping. This could probably be done while mounted or dismounted. A fencing, thrust style of attack is not feasible (as others have noted) due to the weight and balance of the sword.

(Seller's pictures are attached)

Your thoughts?

- Dave A.

22nd October 2015, 05:48 PM	#1
DaveA Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Wisconsin, USA Posts: 413	Big, Heavy Flyssa - wield like a shashka? Hello All, Special greetings to the flyssa lovers on this forum. I know there are many threads regarding flyssa on the forum, but I have yet to find one that has any definitive information about the martial use of the weapon. I have acquired a 42 ¼ inches OAL flyssa. The thickness of the blade is a robust ½ inch at the hilt, tapering to ¼ inch for 16 ½ inches. This is roughly the beginning of the convex "belly" of the edge. Thereafter, the width tapers from ¼ inch to 1/16 inch at the acute tip. In handling the weapon, it is really only balanced when pointed straight up or straight down. I note that it is also too long to carry in an underarm position, much less stuck through a belt. It occurred to me that the weapon may have been carried on the back, with the hilt protruding over the shoulder. This would resemble how the shashka sword is carried. I'm not suggesting any linkage between the swords other than the mechanics of how it is carried and drawn. The shashka is drawn in an over the head manner that allows it to perform a slashing attack in one movement. The katana has a similar property. In a personal experiment (without the scabbard, which is in fragile condition), I held the flyssa behind my back as if I had just grabbed the hilt. Surprisingly, it was relatively easy to pull the sword straight up and then swing down without stopping. This could probably be done while mounted or dismounted. A fencing, thrust style of attack is not feasible (as others have noted) due to the weight and balance of the sword. (Seller's pictures are attached) Your thoughts? - Dave A. Attached Images