Punch Dagger (Katar Dagger)
Code : P13978

10 inches

Region: Manufactured in the historic weapon-forging centres of Jodhpur, Udaipur, and Sirohi, Rajasthan.
Heritage: Designed specifically for the Rajput warriors who favoured close-quarter combat. 

Punch-Grip Design: The H-shaped handle allows the blade to act as an extension of the arm, delivering the force of a punch through the tip.
Reinforced Tip: Often features a thickened or diamond-cross point designed to pierce mail armour. 

Martial Arts: Used in traditional Gatka or Shastar Vidya demonstrations.
Ceremonial Pride: Displayed by royalty during the Aswayuja (weapon worship) ceremony.
Collection: A centrepiece for collectors of Indo-Persian militaria due to its unique geometry. 

The Tiger Slayer: Historically known as the tiger-claws, often themed around themes of bravery and predatory power.
Courtly Elegance: Modern Rajasthani Katars feature heavy gold or silver Koftgari work on the sidebars (the arms of the H). 

Massive Build: Typically heavier than standard daggers, ranging from 600g to 1kg.
Front-Heavy: The weight is balanced toward the blade to maximize the impact of a thrust. 

Wootz / Damascus Steel: Traditionally forged with high-carbon watered steel to ensure the blade does not snap under the pressure of a punch.
Spring Steel: Modern replicas use tempered spring steel for durability and flexibility. 

Inlaid Bone: The crossbars (grips) are often encased in Camel or Buffalo bone scales for a comfortable, non-slip grip.
Bone Riveting: Hand-carved bone sections are riveted to the steel framework, often stained with tea to achieve a vintage ivory look.

Dual-Bar Grip: Features two parallel crossbars that provide maximum wrist stability.
Full Steel Frame: Unlike other daggers, the handle and blade frame are often forged from a single piece of steel, with bone used for the grip scales.
Engraved Sidebars: The long steel bars extending down the wrist are usually heavily engraved with floral or geometric Rajasthani patterns. 

Status Symbol: Historically, the Katar was a mark of high social standing; the more ornate the Katar, the higher the rank of the Rajput.
The Suicide Dagger: In folklore, it was sometimes used as a last resort in battle to maintain honour, symbolizing the Never Surrender spirit of Rajasthan.
Weapon Worship: During Dussehra, the Katar is the primary weapon offered for Shastra Puja in many Rajasthani households to seek blessings for the coming year.