ancient kardas

Joined
Mar 9, 1999
Messages
1,440
Some oldies to see how some of these were made in the 18th century. I think they could be reproduced...

View


------------------
JP
 
JP, I hope you never stop doing this kind of thing. Is there any history you can share about the origin and evolution of the karda and chakma?

With much appreciation....Dan
 
<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">I think they could be reproduced...</font>
Yeah, but who could we find who knows how to make kardas and has access to deer horn...?
wink.gif
 
As my Java professor would say, this is some neat stuff.
Those handles are really cool. I definately would not mind seeing them on some goods. I don't know, the handles might not be durable enough.
Any idea on how they attached the handle? There doesn't seem to be anything resembling what I would think of being a pommel. Part of your collection, John?

Bob,

[This message has been edited by bobwill (edited 02-18-2001).]

[This message has been edited by bobwill (edited 02-18-2001).]
 
To GH forum members,

I think these are pretty neat, but if everyone hasn't noticed, Craig advertised some neat little Khukuris done up with similar handles. Try the "Tiger Tooth" post a few messages down.

------------------
Watakushi Wa Shinajin Desu
DeathDancer

[This message has been edited by DeathDancer (edited 02-19-2001).]
 
The evolution of these 'small' knives probably developed like most things as a practical need. Same as taking the Tibetan flint striker pouch and reducing it to one versatile tool (the chakmak) and attaching a pouch to the scabbard.

These kardas are joined blade to grip by the same mysterious compound of beeswax, pitch and whatever that has been used by kamis for centuries. Good strong stuff that seems to be a secret "recipe".

The big difference between these pieces in my collection and the kukris Craig has is the miniturization factor plus the unique qualities of the horn. He has found some nice full size kukris while the the largest in my picture is less than 10" o/a. I don't even know if these miniature Asian deer are still around for harvest. I heard that they had rediscovered this small mammal in Vietnam some years back, but I would guess that it is a rare and protected species.

Berk has a point: who would Craig know who could put these nice kardas back into todays inventory, hmmm?

------------------
JP
 
A most excellent post! I've wondered about this since my first khukuri. How much bigger and what shape is the Tibetan striker? And can you give me an idea of the size of these interesting pieces in the pic?

Huge thanks....Dan
 
The striker and its pouch are of Tibetan design and many are quite elaborate and very collectible.

Here is a picture of a simple striker that is attached to a hodgepodge belt of pieces from the North West Frontier area of operations around the 1890s. The kukri is attached via the old sword belt hook and is a repro from a device seen at the Gurkha Museum where this set was identified.

View


------------------
JP
 
Back
Top