Minangkebau Dagger
 

Hi just wanting to get some feedback on a Sekin - at least that is what the old label says. Bought it sight unseen, the wood feels very light. Just hoping to confirm if it is Sumatran, vintage etc. Much appreciated Darren

Hello Dstockbridge,

it is for sure not a sekin. Look here for sekin: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...ighlight=sekin
The dagger look very strange to my eyes, maybe a put together piece?

Regards,
Detlef

I can make no comment on the dagger as it is way out of my knowledge base, BUT please remove the Dymotape labels as the wood underneath will become discoloured very quickly.
:eek: :eek:

Yes, I agree, better remove the labels.

THIS KNIFE WAS LIKELY MADE IN SUMATRA AS STATED BUT ALSO FALLS INTO THE CATEGORY OF A PUT TOGETHER PIECE NOT OF TRADITIONAL FORM. THESE ARE DIFFICULT TO CLASSIFY AS A RESULT AND ARE OFTEN ONE OF A KIND ITEMS. ON YOUR EXAMPLE THE BLADE LOOKS LIKE PART OF A OLD SWORD BLADE MOST LIKELY EUROPEAN. THE HANDLE LOOKS LIKE AN ATTEMPT TO CARVE A EAGLE HEAD ( ALSO A BORROWED EUROPEAN DESIGN) BUT THOUGH IT HAS FEATHERS IT HAS A MUZZLE NOT A BEAK. THE SCABBARD IS CLOSER TO A SUMATRAN DESIGN FORM AND THE DECORATIVE METAL STRAPS ALSO FITS FOR WORK DONE THERE. THIS WORK WAS NOT LIKELY MADE BY A PROFESSIONAL KNIFE MAKER BUT LIKELY BY A AMATEUR OR PERHAPS A NOVICE KNIFE MAKER.

Don't worry will remove it. At least I know the previous owner got it in the 1980s. The knife feels very unbalanced when holding it. The blade feels too heavy. At least it is an original.