Damascus Tabar Saddle Axe with Sculpted Cocobolo

Product Description for Damascus Tabar Saddle Axe with Sculpted Cocobolo

Maker: James Cook, M.S. (click to see more by this maker)
Price: $9,500.00
Item num: 113081
** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind **
Blade length: 11.00 in.
Cutting edge length: 11.00 in.
Total length: 33.00 in.
Blade height (at heel): 1.72 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.27 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.21 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.09 in.
Item weight: 40.60 oz.
Shipment weight: 45 oz.
Blade: Ladder pattern damascus forged from carbon steel
Bolster: Damascus pommels and fittings
Handle: Hand carved cocobolo
Sheath: Hand stitched leather
Description: James Cook, also known as J.R. Cook, is a bladesmith from Nashville, Arkansas. He started making knives in 1986, only five years before he earned his Mastersmith rating in 1991. He is also a member of the Arkansas Knife Makers Association as well as being an Arkansas Living Treasure. Cook served as an official for the Master Smith and Journeyman Smith Judging Committees with the American Bladesmith Society and helped create and facilitate the BLADE Show World Championship Cutting Competition. When he isn't busy building incredible works of art, he spends his time as an instructor for the Blade Smithing School at Old Washington Arkansas. James is a knifemaker that many other accomplished knifemakers look up to. It’s no surprise his wait list is many years. This Tabar Saddle Axe was kept in a private collection since it was made in 2011. It is in brand new, mint condition and by all appearances it could have been made yesterday!
A tabar saddle hatchet, also known as a tabarzin, is a type of battle axe, particularly associated with Persia (modern-day Iran), the Ottoman Empire, and surrounding regions such as India and Afghanistan. It's characterized by a crescent-shaped blade and was historically used by cavalry, often carried beneath the saddle. During the 17th and 18th centuries, the tabar battle axe was a weapon of mounted warriors in the Punjab and Sikh Khalsa armies. The impact of one of these edged weapons on horseback is brutal.
The damascus head is forged from Cook's own ladder pattern damascus combining many layers of carbon steels to ensure excellent edge holding and chip resistance. The 11 inch crescent shape blade is designed to be used as a slashing weapon, creating a wide arc of lethality. The base of the head is hand engraved with an elegant pattern. Cook's touchmark and M.S. mark are also engraved onto the head. The head is able to be removed from the haft incase repairs are ever needed.
The haft is a single piece of cocobolo wood. Cocobolo's extreme density and hardness translate to its incredible durability, making it resistant to dents, scratches, warping, rot, and insect damage. When you consider the fact that it is a beautiful wood as well, it’s the perfect choice for this type of weapon. The top of the haft was painstakingly hand carved by James into a scale pattern. Both the top and bottom of the haft are capped with pointed damascus pommels. This allows it to be used as a blunt weapon on targets that are already within swinging range.
A hand stitched leather sheath is included to safely store the Tabar. Also included, is the original Certificate of Registration from JR Cook.
Exceptional work throughout!


Availability: In stock. Usually ships in 1-2 business days