A dagger or katar, meant to be gripped at right angles to the blade for forceful stabbing

Source: ebay, Dec. 2004

"India.18th century. Steel blade. Gilt iron grip. Wood scabbard with linen cover. Forged and gilded. Original condition, with few traces of wear and extensive abrasions to the gilding. The linen cover of the scabbard is somewhat soiled and partly torn. Length of the blade is 6.5 inches. Total length including the scabbard is 15.3 inches."

A katar with extended arm-guards for protection; and a scabbard

Source: http://www.christies.com/LotFinder/search/LOTDETAIL.ASP?sid=&intObjectID=4572705&SE=CMWCAT03+104305+%2D1629924794+&QR=M+1+0+Aqc0000900+91109++Aqc0000900+&entry=india&SU=1&SN=7074&RQ=True&AN=1
(downloaded Sept. 2005)

"A LARGE STEEL DAGGER (KATAR), India, 18th century. The curved blade of watered steel with damascened design of idiosyncratically drawn wild animals and huntsmen and with swollen tip, each side with groove running along the centre, one side retaining five freely moving ball bearings, the double grip and armguards adorned with damascened vegetal ornament and some wild animals, the steel scabbard similarly decorated, slight loss of gold overlay and slight corrosion in parts. 24¼in. (61.5cm.) long in scabbard."