khayber Sword

[Bill M]

This is my first one of these. I have heard them called "massive" and the word is descriptive. 33" long. Remains of koftgari.

I like two basic categories of swords. High end ceremonial and "users."

This is a "user." It has a presence that does not really come across in the pictures. I feel certain that this one has been in combat.

Your comments? I know nothing about these swords.

[kronckew]

i have a similar one without the decoration and a plain wood grip - the moment you pick it up you know it's the real thing, made for battle and not for decoration.



it sings - the pathan who carried mine may have owed fealty to the one who carried yours

mine didn't come with a scabbard tho, i''l have to find one or have one made. always nice to see pics of them as a complete weapons system.

i see your scabbard comes with the original late 19th c. pathan electricians tape . you may want to replace that with something more modern, like leather...... i wonder if t.sisco does khybers at the sarki shop......

[Jens Nordlunde]

If you have not, then try to make a ’search’, and you will see there are quite a number of threads. The blades are mostly alike, some decorated and some not, but notice the very different hilt forms.

[ariel]

Originally Posted by Jens Nordlunde

If you have not, then try to make a ’search’, and you will see there are quite a number of threads. The blades are mostly alike, some decorated and some not, but notice the very different hilt forms.

That what interested me for quite some time. Indeed, the handles are quite different and fall into 3 types; what we see on the example here ( rounded pommel), the ones with a lobulated pommel and the ones with no pommel at all ( more like kard).
Is there any tribal/geographical connection?

[Jim McDougall]

Excellent observation Jens! It does indeed seem that most variation is in the hilts, and as Ariel has suggested, quite possibly tribal or regional variation.
Kronckew, LOL! very good observation on the 19th c. Pathan electricians tape!!!!

On the mounts, I notice the familiar circled dot motif that is typically seen on weapons from Afghanistan and surrounding regions. From what I understand, this is a simple, but quite ancient geometric motif that is often found in these regions. Can anyone elaborate more on this motif? I have seen the same on lohars as well as buzkhashi whips.

All the best,
Jim

[Jens Nordlunde]

Yes Ariel, but it should also be remembered that there are variation of the different types. I think the different types come from different clans, although I can't prove it.
Yes Jim, the circle decoration is interesting, and as you mention, also seen on other Afghan weapons.
Jens

[Bill M]

On the question of wootz. I am not versed with staining, and want to do this right. I have heard that some stains will harm koftgari. Is there any factual basis?

[Lew]

Originally Posted by Bill Marsh

On the question of wootz. I am not versed with staining, and want to do this right. I have heard that some stains will harm koftgari. Is there any factual basis?

Bill

Are you going to try to etch your sword in the first photo? I do not think it's wootz unless you see something that's not pictured? I would just leave it be if there is no real sign of the wootz pattern.

Lew