Zen_Hydra
Moderator
Born with a heart full of neutrality
Posts: 2,625
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Post by Zen_Hydra on Mar 29, 2017 15:03:00 GMT
I'm interested in South Asian swords (antiques and quality reproductions).
Does anyone know of a good source in the United States (perhaps a swordsmith who serves the Sikh community)?
I'm particularly interested in acquiring a good, weapon-grade kora.
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Post by Timo Nieminen on Mar 29, 2017 21:35:39 GMT
Sometimes, a Nepali kukri maker offers something they call a "kora", but IME they never look like a proper kora (blade is almost straight, hilt is just wrong). I've never seen a production "kora" that's even close. Therefore, go antique (or custom). There are a few floating around on ebay, but they're expensive (which is why they're still there).
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Post by randomnobody on Mar 29, 2017 22:10:59 GMT
Unfortunately, this is a niche with little traction in western markets. Nearest current example is Cold Steel's tulwar, which is more a tulwar-inspired saber than a proper recreation. Their shamshir follows a similar path. Of course, that's muddy at best as while Cold Steel is US-based, these swords are made in India and then exported. Custom smiths in this market are few and far between, from what I've seen. Especially here in the States. One's best option is antiques, but kora, especially, are hard to come by and often either very expensive or predominately decorative/ceremonial pieces. Kukri and katar are far more plentiful, the former having many modern makers and thus selling quite affordably. As for the rest of the plethora of weapons from Southern Asia/the Indian subcontinent, ha ha ha...no.
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