My friend's Shamshir project

J

JoeL

Joined
Oct 4, 1998
Messages
150
View

View

This is the Shamshir my friend bought from an antique dealer. Made with "Wootz" steel, the original damascus.

The sword came last month with slightly bent blade and rattling inside the hilt. Here is how it look after disassemble.
View


The tang of the blade was attached to the hilt by a kind of tree resin, quite like the thing the Nepalnese used on their Khukuris. That can be softened by hot water. The blade has been straightened and preliminary polish has been done. It will be reinserted to the hilt after a good etching to show the "Wootz" pattern again. The scabboard will be repaired then.

The sword is very curve so I would say that it is mainly for slashing but the X-section of the blade is in clam shell shape. My friend ( I wouldn't do it) chopping through pig-spine bone with it and the sword with no damage at all. Not even a nick on the edge. The blade is narrow and thin. 3-4mm thick and only 3 cm wide.

Anyone familiar with sword art of ancient India?

Joe

 
I don't think I would have been brave enough to take it apart myself.....

The picture doesn't show it clearly, but it looks like the hilt has some (possibly gold?) inlay.

The sizes you give for the blade are fairly typical, and as you say this isn't a hack and slash weapon.



------------------
"..it is foolishness and endless trouble to cast a
stone at every dog that barks at you.."
 
Go to this site's "forums" page http://www.vikingsword.com and post this question on the Ethographic Edged Weapons" board. There are many people there who would be able to help you out.

I know they would be interested in viewing the photos you have put up here.

You can also go to http://www.netsword.com/ and post there too as there are several who travel to both boards.

[This message has been edited by Laurie Wise (edited 08-02-2000).]
 
Hi,

When you said 3-4mm thick, was that measured at the tip or the base? Could you see how much of a change in thickness is there between those two areas? Thanks.
 
Hi,

smile.gif
The 3-4mm is measured from the base. The sword doesn't has any back-edge and has distal taper that is very smooth and continous until the very tip of the blade.

Joe
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top