Old Bichwa Dagger

[DhaDha]

Congrats. That is a stunning piece. Curious about the handle. How do you hold it? Your example (with the blade parallel to the hilt) seems to be held with the blade flat to the user's body. Almost like a parrying/stabbing weapon. Other examples, not unlike my new bichwa I just posted, seem to be held with edge facing the body. Hope this makes sense...
Shawn

[katana]

I too, am intrigued as to how this dagger was held? Seems to be specifically designed to it's 'manner' of use or perhaps suited to an individual, possibly due to a physical problem/previous damage with the owners hand

[Jens Nordlunde]

Nice Bichwa Lew. I think it must have been held at the upper part of the hilt, and the lower part has been the hand protection. The thing which makes me wonder, are the 'eye lashes 'on a dagger blade, so far I have only seen them on sword blades. Any comments?

[katana]

Originally Posted by Jens Nordlunde

Nice Bichwa Lew. I think it must have been held at the upper part of the hilt, and the lower part has been the hand protection.

Jens, I think I would have to agree, but I feel that as there is little 'bulk' to that part of the handle....control of the blade would suffer ?

[Jens Nordlunde]

Yes Katana, but I don't think the dagger was meant for use in war, I think it was for self protection. Besides, you did not answer my question about the 'eye lashes'.
Jens

[katana]

Hi Jens,
I have a Tulwar with the 'eyelash' symbol. But, like you, I have not seen one on a dagger or knife. So basically.....I don't know....was it mentioned before on the forum that the 'eyelash' was a Sikh symbol

Actually...I've just done a quick search.....here is a thread that might help

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...hlight=eyelash

And , my friend you asked a very similar question then

Originally Posted by Jens Nordlunde

A funny thing is, that I can not recall to have seen the ‘eyelashes’ on dagger blades – can anyone else?

[Lew]

Hi All

I have tried holding the dagger a few ways and you can grasp it either from the top of the hilt as Jens has suggested or by holding the entire hilt. The blade seems to be made of double shear steel rather than a more complex pattern welded steel with many layers but one can't be certain of this. I just find it strange that the hilt is bronze has anyone come across these types of daggers with bronze hilts most seem to be made of brass or steel? Btw I remember seeing a kukri somewhere with the eyelash markings on it so they are not reserved strictly for swords.

Lew

[DhaDha]

Originally Posted by katana

Jens, I think I would have to agree, but I feel that as there is little 'bulk' to that part of the handle....control of the blade would suffer ?

Funny, I thought it would be held by the lower part. Treating the upper as more of a knuckle duster. However, the lower might be too small. Hard for me to say having never held it. The one that I posted (and the only one I've ever held) I think is held in this manner. It actually feels great in the hand.