The Unique Arms of Crete, a Dynamic Perspective

Jim McDougall · 17th June 2026, 11:52 PM

I just received my copy of "Cretan Arms: Weapons and Equipment of the Cretans During the Greek Revolution of 1821" , by our own Eftihis Tzirtlikakis, and am frankly overwhelmed!

In the many decades I have studied and collected in many areas, like many, if not most, I have typically seen arms of Greece and the Balkans as part of the hugely broad spectrum of 'Ottoman' weapons. In this broad scope, the deeply esoteric area of the arms of Crete has barely received specific attention, and only the most occasional note of these distinct and unique weapons has ever been seen.

I have read the posts of Eftihis for many years, and he has always presented unique and compelling perspectives in observing many weapons being discussed. Here he has brought that into an incredible study of the arms of his own country, through his own quest to assemble a world class collection of these arms of Crete, which took many years and considerable work to not only gather them, but to truly understand them and what they represent.

This is not a typical academic reference or study on a topic, it is a work of art! written by Efihis, and contributing colleagues, with profound pride and passion. There are no footnotes, or index and such protocols, but there is a comprehensive bibliography.

It is breathtaking, from the passionately written opening by Efitihis, to the incredibly photographed weapons and contemporary images of these warriors and people.....it is a browsing book......and soon I was hooked, my interest in these weapons totally piqued!

Now I must find one of these incredible winged pommel Cretan daggers!!!!
and cannot resist going back to learn more on these people.

Buy this book at your own risk!!

Its addicting.

Eftihis, congratulations, well done!!!!!

Jim

17th June 2026, 11:52 PM	#1
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,859	The Unique Arms of Crete, a Dynamic Perspective I just received my copy of "Cretan Arms: Weapons and Equipment of the Cretans During the Greek Revolution of 1821" , by our own Eftihis Tzirtlikakis, and am frankly overwhelmed! In the many decades I have studied and collected in many areas, like many, if not most, I have typically seen arms of Greece and the Balkans as part of the hugely broad spectrum of 'Ottoman' weapons. In this broad scope, the deeply esoteric area of the arms of Crete has barely received specific attention, and only the most occasional note of these distinct and unique weapons has ever been seen. I have read the posts of Eftihis for many years, and he has always presented unique and compelling perspectives in observing many weapons being discussed. Here he has brought that into an incredible study of the arms of his own country, through his own quest to assemble a world class collection of these arms of Crete, which took many years and considerable work to not only gather them, but to truly understand them and what they represent. This is not a typical academic reference or study on a topic, it is a work of art! written by Efihis, and contributing colleagues, with profound pride and passion. There are no footnotes, or index and such protocols, but there is a comprehensive bibliography. It is breathtaking, from the passionately written opening by Efitihis, to the incredibly photographed weapons and contemporary images of these warriors and people.....it is a browsing book......and soon I was hooked, my interest in these weapons totally piqued! Now I must find one of these incredible winged pommel Cretan daggers!!!! and cannot resist going back to learn more on these people. Buy this book at your own risk!! Its addicting. Eftihis, congratulations, well done!!!!! Jim Last edited by Jim McDougall; Yesterday at 06:14 PM.