Received today a beautiful sword from Yangdu, called a Bhutan sword, or Patang. This is a short sword from the country of Bhutan, that has shown up just a very few times before. Here are the specs.
Length overall 21 1/2"
Blade length 13 3/8"
Weight 2lb. 6 oz or 38 ounces
Spine thickness 3/8" until 3 1/2" from tip where it tapers to 5/16"
Maximum blade width 2 1/4"
Balance point 1 1/2" in front of guard.
Chiruwa tang with 3 rivets
This is one massive piece of steel! When held one handed just behind the guard, the sword is quick and moves well. Slipping your hand back to the narrow spot just before the swelled pommel gives more reach and more chopping ability. And let me tell you, I wouldn't be afraid to chop with this sword. It is a beast. The blade is "sword sharp" as received, and a few swipes of a ceramic rod (thanks Aardvark) and a stropping had it is slicing paper. No belt grinder required.
The markings are very tastefully done. On one side is U. B. and underneath, the Devangari. On the reverse side is Bura's crescent moon and H I in Devangari. No L.B. in english. It looks much better.
The guard is plain steel, with few file and no hammer marks. Bura had to cut a slot in the guard large enough for the pommel to go through. One side of the slot is visible outside the brass ferrule. Bura filled it with epoxy. Not elegant, but very functional.
The wood of the hilt is a red colored wood with incredible grain. It has flame, meaning that when you move the sword, the pattern in the grain changes, like it's translucent. I can't wait to do some woodchucking on this!
The scabbard fits very well. It is covered with high grade burgundy colored leather. The leather has some grain to it, and the color is deep, not gaudy. The only functional problem with the scabbard is that the frog sits too low, allowing the heavy hilt to fall outwards. Putting the frog near the mouth of the scabbard would prevent this. I'll just lace a piece of leather around the belt loop and the scabbard, and all will be well.
This is an outstanding piece of work. I hope more become available.
Munk, I can just picture a Bhutanese Yak herder standing on a ridge above the river with this sword in his hand shouting "
My God, life is cheap out here on the Puna Tsang Chhu!"
Thank you Yangdu!
Steve Ferguson
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