Hook Swords

[Jeremy Martin]

I've seen these swords for quite sometime, but never thought too much about them. If you don't know what I'm talking about, these swords tips are bent(hooked) back towards the wielder. I believe the cutting part is on the inside of these. There is a metal bar that circles the hand and on top of that is a half moon 'blade'. Ah heck, here's a picture. http://gungfu.com/pics_general/pics_swords/swords_chinese_tiger_hook.jpg

What I was wondering is are these historical swords(supposedly they are)?
Are they effective?
Are they mostly all defensive?
Wield one or two?
Did anything resembling these develop in the west?
Could these be effective vs the western longsword, greatsword, or sword and shield?
What tactics do you think would be used in conjunction with the hook swords?
How do you think you'd beat them?

Really interested to hear your thoughts.

[Randall Pleasant]

Jeremy

I am not a moderator but I would guess that discussing Chinese weapons is off topic for the ARMA forums.

[Gene Tausk]

I'll leave it open for now, Ran, since one of the questions did ask "if anything like (the hook swords) were developed in the West."

It will be monitored, however.


----------------->>>>>>>gene tausk
SFS
Study Group Leader - Houston ARMA Southside
Forum Moderator

[Brian Hunt]

this website will answer a little bit about the history of these swords.

http://www.shaolin-society.co.uk/weapons/earth.php#hutougou

They are used in pairs, and one can actually be swung by the other by connecting the hooks, much like a link of a chain. Don't know of a western equivelant.

hope this helps.

Brian Hunt
GFS

[Casper Bradak]

Some weapons in here may be of interest.

http://mhewer.club.fr/Library/Talhoffer/page_01.htm