How about this folding knife?

pmacleman · 18th June 2006, 11:32 PM

I've never had any idea on the origin of this one. Blade is very hard steel that does not dull or pit as quickly as you would expect but does seem to have chipped a bit. Arrowhead shape unusual. Handles are more usual forged steel. Quite nice patina all over.

Paul

Rick · 19th June 2006, 12:38 AM

I wonder if this might not be an unusual form of betel nut cutter .

ariel · 19th June 2006, 03:32 AM

I would suggest a folding Katar.
Some "oriental" (especially Ottoman) examples of dagger scissors and Afghani folding Lohars are well known. See no reason why the same idea could not be applied to Katars.

RobT · 19th June 2006, 05:12 AM

Hi All,
A very nice piece. I would like to add one to my collection. It would appear that the tip has been broken off but the presence of a center rib indicates that this blade was meant for serious business. I suspect that the shortness of the blade coupled with the relative weakness of the hilt rivets at the pivot points suggests a civilian rather than military use (much like the Philippine balisongs). That the blade, like the balisongs, can be completely enclosed by the hilt seems to indicate that concealed/convenient civilian carry was important. These considerations wouldn't be necessary on a weapon intended for use in a military engagement.
Sincerely,
RobT

Ki Jayamalelo · 19th June 2006, 06:38 AM

Definetly betel nut cutter from Deccan, see:

Henry Brownrigg (1993) Betelschneider aus der Sammlung Eilenberg p: 61
There should be also an English edition of this book.

pmacleman · 19th June 2006, 07:29 AM

Rob and Ki you may both be right...

Following up on Ki's information regarding geographic origin. This from the site: http://www.le-betel.com/betel/ciseau...9/en_ci009.htm

"Betel cutter of the « Katar » style. One of India’s most characteristic edged weapons. It has a triangular bladed punch-dagger. This cutter is very much like the « Katar », when turned upside down it is a weapon, and otherwise merely a silver betel cutter without any decoration. This betel cutter is used by women to protect themselves."

Image

Very interesting. Thanks for all the help.

Have to trot a few of my other mysteries in coming weeks.

Paul

18th June 2006, 11:32 PM	#1
pmacleman Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 17	How about this folding knife? I've never had any idea on the origin of this one. Blade is very hard steel that does not dull or pit as quickly as you would expect but does seem to have chipped a bit. Arrowhead shape unusual. Handles are more usual forged steel. Quite nice patina all over. Paul

19th June 2006, 05:12 AM	#4
RobT Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 486	Concealed Carry Hi All, A very nice piece. I would like to add one to my collection. It would appear that the tip has been broken off but the presence of a center rib indicates that this blade was meant for serious business. I suspect that the shortness of the blade coupled with the relative weakness of the hilt rivets at the pivot points suggests a civilian rather than military use (much like the Philippine balisongs). That the blade, like the balisongs, can be completely enclosed by the hilt seems to indicate that concealed/convenient civilian carry was important. These considerations wouldn't be necessary on a weapon intended for use in a military engagement. Sincerely, RobT

19th June 2006, 07:29 AM	#6
pmacleman Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 17	Both right Rob and Ki you may both be right... Following up on Ki's information regarding geographic origin. This from the site: http://www.le-betel.com/betel/ciseau...9/en_ci009.htm "Betel cutter of the « Katar » style. One of India’s most characteristic edged weapons. It has a triangular bladed punch-dagger. This cutter is very much like the « Katar », when turned upside down it is a weapon, and otherwise merely a silver betel cutter without any decoration. This betel cutter is used by women to protect themselves." Image Very interesting. Thanks for all the help. Have to trot a few of my other mysteries in coming weeks. Paul

19th June 2006, 12:38 AM	#2
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,290	I wonder if this might not be an unusual form of betel nut cutter .

19th June 2006, 03:32 AM	#3
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	I would suggest a folding Katar. Some "oriental" (especially Ottoman) examples of dagger scissors and Afghani folding Lohars are well known. See no reason why the same idea could not be applied to Katars.

19th June 2006, 06:38 AM	#5
Ki Jayamalelo Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Germany Posts: 18	Definetly betel nut cutter from Deccan, see: Henry Brownrigg (1993) Betelschneider aus der Sammlung Eilenberg p: 61 There should be also an English edition of this book.