Uploaded September 2019 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
In this video, we take my neglected and repolished antique Ottoman Pala, and etch it to restore it to its former glory.
The Pala is a form of Turkish Sabre, or Kilij, designed for use by infantry. It feature a "T" shaped pipeback spine. This example is made of "turkish ribbon twist" pattern welded "damascus" steel.
I decided to use oxalic acid for this procedure, as it is a gentle acid with a long working time. I think it came out pretty well.
This style of sabre has a very, thin, fine edge, making it an exceptionally good slicing or slashing sword. The heavy curve further emphasises this. The thick (10mm) spine prevents you from chopping deeply with a typical cutting motion, requiring you to "draw cut", pulling the blade along your opponents flesh and rending it apart.
This style first appeared around 1750-1770, and this example is from around 1780-1790. It is Turkish / Ottoman, and feels amazing to handle. Whilst the point of balance is something like 18cm away from the guard, it just floats when you hold it.
Length: 84cm
Blade Length: 70cm
Weight: 670 grams
Point of Balance: 18cm
In this video, we take my neglected and repolished antique Ottoman Pala, and etch it to restore it to its former glory.
The Pala is a form of Turkish Sabre, or Kilij, designed for use by infantry. It feature a "T" shaped pipeback spine. This example is made of "turkish ribbon twist" pattern welded "damascus" steel.
I decided to use oxalic acid for this procedure, as it is a gentle acid with a long working time. I think it came out pretty well.
This style of sabre has a very, thin, fine edge, making it an exceptionally good slicing or slashing sword. The heavy curve further emphasises this. The thick (10mm) spine prevents you from chopping deeply with a typical cutting motion, requiring you to "draw cut", pulling the blade along your opponents flesh and rending it apart.
This style first appeared around 1750-1770, and this example is from around 1780-1790. It is Turkish / Ottoman, and feels amazing to handle. Whilst the point of balance is something like 18cm away from the guard, it just floats when you hold it.
Length: 84cm
Blade Length: 70cm
Weight: 670 grams
Point of Balance: 18cm
