Northern Thai or Laotian daab

[Iain]

Probably my favourite sword in the collection at the moment, this is a very well made specimen from what is now northern Thailand or Laos. The main features are a very wide spine with a distinctive V shape, round guard with four lobes, executed in bronze, hardwood handle and iron pommel with a bronze ferrule.

The difference between older swords like this and later examples is quite marked when you have handled a few. While the handle is fairly long it is very comfortable single handed held right behind the guard with a beautiful balance.

The blade is notably better than most and was still extremely sharp. Nothing fancy about this sword, but I have always preferred the old warriors over the more decorative examples.