When I originally posted this I asked John Powell for his thoughts about it, and he replied as follows:
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I never did get to the bottom of this, but Artzi and I had many discussions about these side knives. While they appear with or connected to some Omani pieces there are many with Indian/Nepali markings. Trade items? Who knows, but I would disregard Egerton and stick with the mid-east for origin.
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Stuart's illustration from Elgood is convincing as far as I am concerned also.