Ixwa: Zulu Traditional Spear. Forged 5160 Blade

Zulu stabbing spear with forged 5160 blade

Before the advent of firearms in Southern Africa it was the Zulu short Spear that was the weapon of choice to fight and wage war with.

Used by the Shaka's Zulu Impis, they devastated an area roughly the size of Western Europe. In effect what the Gladius was to the Roman Legionnaire, the Ixwa was to the Zulu Warrior.

Light weight easy to carry and manipulate the Ixwa is a fearsome weapon

In fact so well trained were the Impis that on occasion they routed opponents who were using firearms. (Ask any Red Coat!)

Named the Ixwa after the sound that would be made when the spear was withdrawn from the victims or opponents body (There are variations on the spelling but a sucking wound is pretty much universal sound)

Forged from 5160 Spring Steel

Sapele Wood Handle with Wound Copper Wire Binding

Supplied with a protective leather sheath

OAL Length: 1200mm

Handle Length: 570mm

Blade Length: 630mm

Handle ￃﾘ 45mm taper to 20mm

Blade Width at widest: 85mm

Weight including leather sheath 1.6kg

As each Ixwa/Assegai is hand made and thus unique there will be variations in colour scheme and over all dimensions

Not only is this Iklwa a wonderful display item, it is wickedly sharp and will be devastating if used at close quarters. Own a piece of History. Entirely hand forged and made by Hylton Rutherford in South Africa.

Laser Engraved Rutherford Forge Signature