Also known as 'Bagh Nakh', 'Bag-nak', 'Nahar-nuk', 'Waghnakh', 'Wagnuk', 'Wahar-nuk'

An Indian Weapon.

The name means 'tiger's claw' and consists of four or five curved blades fixed to a cross bar or glove and carried concealed in the palm of the hand. On the opposite side of the bar there are two rings for the fingers. Occasionally it is made of two plates hinged together instead of a bar; the one for the thumb has one ring and one claw, the longer one for the palm has three claws and two rings. It was never considered a 'legitimate weapon' and, in later days, has only been used by thieves and assassins.

Sivaji, the founder of the Maharatta Empire, used one when he killed Afzal Khan, the general of the army of Bijapur. The 'Bagh Nakha' is a very popular with Akali Nihangs. Many of who in the past always kept on in their left hand. It was also recommended that all Nihang women wear it at all times when alone or anticipating danger. It greatly enhances a woman's chances of victory in hand-to-hand combat.