- Joined
- Feb 15, 2002
- Messages
- 1,705
I was fortunate to acquire this unusual piece by JR Cook at Jerry Fisk's 10th Annual Micro-Show (Scoundrels & Scalawags Symposium) last September. JR was a featured maker, along with Jerry and Don Hanson.
So, what is a Tabar Battle Axe? Basically it's a pole weapon of Persian ancestry. It is said that true pole weapons featured a shaft length of 5 feet or more. Less than that and it's an axe. Back then I doubt anyone bothered with such distinctions except as related to use from horseback (shorter shaft) versus on foot (longer shaft). Search on-line to find more info including how they were used to dispatch an enemy.
Per JR, "When I saw a photo of the Tabar, I thought I just had to make one... They were fairly common in the Persian Empire around the 18 Century. It was commonly referred to as a saddle hatchet." Months later, when I mentioned the Tabar to JR, he said "I still love that thing. It's just cool." Guess I could say the same!
Here is a public domain image of an actual 18th century Tabar from Northwestern India. It's obviously more of a ceremonial or status version than the its utilitarian cousin.
Below is JR's recent interpretation of the Tabar. I didn't show a full view, trusting that most folks can put all 3 views together mentally. Plus, I wanted the shaft's impressive carving and exceptional Cocobolo grain to get top billing right along with the beautiful and complex blade.
It will help to know that the OAL is 33 1/2 inches while the shaft minus its end caps is slightly under 31 1/2 inches. The blade tip to tip in a straight line is 11 inches and I found that the actual length of the cutting edge approaches 12 inches. Fittings are stainless, the forged blade layer pattern is Ladder Damascus and JR did the engraving.
JR provided an attractive and sturdy leather scabbard with a button snap to cover the blade. In my view this is essential to protect the handler from accidental injury given that the weight, balance and off-center location of the sharp blade make for very different handling than a regular knife.
JR shipped the Tabar in a foam-lined plastic gun case - perfect for storing or transporting - and for which he gets extra points IMHO. Finally, the Tabar was accompanied by a fancy Certificate of Registration and a nice letter of appreciation.
JR is a real Pro. It's no wonder he's officially designated as an Arkansas Living Treasure.
So, what is a Tabar Battle Axe? Basically it's a pole weapon of Persian ancestry. It is said that true pole weapons featured a shaft length of 5 feet or more. Less than that and it's an axe. Back then I doubt anyone bothered with such distinctions except as related to use from horseback (shorter shaft) versus on foot (longer shaft). Search on-line to find more info including how they were used to dispatch an enemy.
Per JR, "When I saw a photo of the Tabar, I thought I just had to make one... They were fairly common in the Persian Empire around the 18 Century. It was commonly referred to as a saddle hatchet." Months later, when I mentioned the Tabar to JR, he said "I still love that thing. It's just cool." Guess I could say the same!
Here is a public domain image of an actual 18th century Tabar from Northwestern India. It's obviously more of a ceremonial or status version than the its utilitarian cousin.
Below is JR's recent interpretation of the Tabar. I didn't show a full view, trusting that most folks can put all 3 views together mentally. Plus, I wanted the shaft's impressive carving and exceptional Cocobolo grain to get top billing right along with the beautiful and complex blade.
It will help to know that the OAL is 33 1/2 inches while the shaft minus its end caps is slightly under 31 1/2 inches. The blade tip to tip in a straight line is 11 inches and I found that the actual length of the cutting edge approaches 12 inches. Fittings are stainless, the forged blade layer pattern is Ladder Damascus and JR did the engraving.
JR provided an attractive and sturdy leather scabbard with a button snap to cover the blade. In my view this is essential to protect the handler from accidental injury given that the weight, balance and off-center location of the sharp blade make for very different handling than a regular knife.
JR shipped the Tabar in a foam-lined plastic gun case - perfect for storing or transporting - and for which he gets extra points IMHO. Finally, the Tabar was accompanied by a fancy Certificate of Registration and a nice letter of appreciation.
JR is a real Pro. It's no wonder he's officially designated as an Arkansas Living Treasure.
