Да, с ними тоже экспериментировали.

The desire of committee members Colonel Napier and Captain Hutton to keep a cut and thrust sword saw wider trials in 1905. This sword is based on the Pattern 1899 with the addition of a thumb opening to control the blade via the back edge. Unsurprisingly it was found totally impractical in trials.

Взято: ostrich-san.livejournal.com