An Indian Katar

ferguson

ferguson

Joined
Feb 21, 2001
Messages
4,238
Antique arms are getting harder and harder to find on Ebay at a price we commoners can afford. But every once in a while you get lucky. This katar isn't wootz, but it's good steel, hardened properly. There are faint traces of gold koftgari on the hilt. I would love to know how these were forged, as there is not a single mechanical joint. Everything is forge welded. Overall length is 16".

Steve

katar-overall.jpg


katar-hilt.jpg
 
"No mechanical joint" as in this was forged fron one piece of steel? That short round cross bar would have been fun to hammer into shape.

Whatever is the case it is nice to look at.
 
It is always nice to see craftmanship triump over marketing. This thing is a tribute to skill over production simplification. The blade looks like some of the later 19th century Indian knives made for the European Victorian market.

n2s
 
Nice score! I've always wanted a katar for some reason, and that one looks super cool. :)
 
Now is that blade intended for utility, or defense? Hard to tell......
 
Nice one Steve! Always a pleasure to see forge welding, it realy separates the men from the boys when it comes to blacksmithing.

Spiral
 
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