Nimcha is a single-handed sword from northwestern Africa, esp. Morocco. These blades are usually from the late 18th century onwards and are notable for often using older blades. Many nimcha have European blades from as early as the 17th century, and from as far away as Germany. With this variety of possible blade designs nimcha are distinct with the hilts that sport forward pointing qillions, and wooden handles with squared off "hooked" pommels. The cross gaurd will often have a knuckle guard which starts beneath the quillions and runs to the bottom of the pommel; on the opposite side of the hilt this path is normally continued into a 3rd quillion. These swords bear strong resemblances to the neighboring Arab saif.