graduation or bloodbrother ritual

[Kumek]

Alright. I was on ATS today, in a scene training with one of my crewmates. For reference, Kumek is a Klingon serving in Starfleet. Anyways...the training was done, and my character did the following: slashed the palm of his right hand with his d'k tagh, said "may' Daa jaHDI' SuvwI' juppu' Daj lonbe", or "When a warrior goes into battle, he does not abandon his friends." He then slashed the other person's hand, said, "Qapla' balthje'", "Honor and success", then performed the customary greeting of the OTHER species, in this case a handshake, since he was human. My character later said it is a lesser version of the R'uustai ceremony, designed to signify a bond between two friends and fellow warriors. Thoughts? Comments? Concerns?   ...a name for it? lol.

[Added a meaningful topic title.  -Klythe]

[qoSagh]

I for one don't see such a ceremony, even in a lesser form, being used for a what I guess is an academy graduation. First of all the mixing ob blood is done to mix families, much like when Martok the Usurper took the un-Klingon Worf into his house. I can not imagine any self respecting Klingon blending his blood with a human. I have never liked the idea of spilling ones own blood in a ceremony, as I think it weakens you in battle. I also think that comparing such a ceremony to a simple handshake degrades the Klingon intent to the point of a simple greeting , and elevates the Human handshake almost to the point of mockery. But then again, I suppose when in Starfleet, one does as the humans do.

[Kehlan]

The concept of blood brothers exists in many cultures and I would imagine in the Klingon culture as well, but it certianly would not be a casual thing.  The R'uustai thing always seemed a bit sissy to me - lets sit around a table with loads of candles etc - sounds more Vulcan than Klingon. 
The concept of two warriors of equal standing cutting the palm of their hand and bonding over blood makes a lot of sense to me.  We know there is a blood oath (Jadzia honoured Curzon's blood oath when they went after the albino) and I would imagine it involved blood.  Also, when a Klingon regains his honour (We see Worf do this in the High Council) he grasps the blade until his hand bleeds.
A simple cut would not weaken a warrior and as the blade would be held in the sword hand it would only be his other hand anyway.
However, it would only be done with someone considered worthy of the honour of becoming your brother (or sister if female) and there is no way it would be done as a general greeting.  you don't bring just anyone into your House after all.  I also think that the other participant would have to cut his own palm, not have it done for him.
My theory and it is only a theory is that this would be an older ceremony, maybe falling out of favour and now being replaced by the R'uustai although still popular with warriors.  Feel free to disagree.

Kehlan