The katar is a versatile knife with a unique handle consisting of two parallel bars supported by crossbars. It was once widely used in the Indian subcontinent and is associated with Hindu culture. The blade varies in length and some have forked blades or movable blades. The katar was effective against armor and was used in martial arts and religious contexts. Some still train with katars and they are produced for hobbyists and film use. When purchasing a katar, consider whether you want an antique or modern blade and bring a blacksmith to ensure quality.
A katar is a unique type of knife that was once widely used in the Indian subcontinent. It is often associated specifically with the Hindu culture in India, although people of other origins probably also used katars, as they are extremely versatile knives that come in a myriad of configurations to suit various needs. Katars are no longer in widespread use, although many museums have very nice examples of ancient katars on display, for people who want to take a closer look at these famous knives.
The distinguishing feature of a katar is the handle, which consists of two parallel bars supported by one or more crossbars. To hold the knife, people wrap a hand around the crossbar, causing the blade to protrude above the knuckles, almost like a claw, as the bars travel down the user’s fist and arm. To use the knife, one must strike with a punch, rather than stab, putting the full body strength behind the knife and using it as a natural extension of the hand.
Katar blades are quite varied. They are classically double-edged and vary in length. Some katar have forked blades, in which case there may be two or three blades mounted on the hilt, and in some regions the blades are movable, allowing people to penetrate a victim with a single blade and then activate a mechanism that causes the blade splitting, causing formidable internal injuries. Some 19th century katar also included small guns.
Most katars were designed for use at close range and could be very effective against armor of various types. The punching motion required to use the blade prompted users to develop fighting styles reminiscent of many martial arts, with a wide variety of moves and punching styles that could be paired with a katar for maximum effect. Katars were also sometimes used in ritual or religious contexts, which may explain why they have become so closely associated with Hindu culture.
The katar is sometimes called an Indian dagger or bundi, and in some cases the blades were long enough to qualify the knife as a short sword. Some people still train with weapons resembling the classic katar, and several companies continue to produce katars for hobbyists and film use. If you decide to purchase a katar for your personal weapons collection, you may want to think about whether you want an antique or a modern blade, and if you are unfamiliar with metals, bring a blacksmith along on your purchasing expedition, as many katars are crafted with cheap metals that corrode and don’t hold an edge.
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