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#1 |
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Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
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Another forum ( Russian) has a heated argument whether Chaqu, an Indian/Persian folding knife, is a native invention or a copy of European implements.
The only mention of it that I am aware of is in Egerton's picture from Ain-i-Akbari, 16 century. This is well before the British arrival to India, and barely 100 years after Vasco da Gama's contact with S. Indian kingdoms.. The picture is primitive, and precise identification of specific features is difficult. Does anybody know of any good evidence of the presence of Chaqus in India before contact with the europeans? Any truly old examples of Persian, Afghani or Turkic/Mongolian folding knives preceding 16th century? Anything in Tanavoli's collection ( I have no copy)? Much obliged for any info. |
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#2 |
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Location: Europe
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Ariel,
James Allen and Brian Guilmour: Persian Steel. The Tanavoli Collection, Oxford University Press 2000. A number of folding knives are shown, but they are all 19th century, and I don’t remember if older folding knives are mentioned in the text. Attached is the oldest one shown, dated AH 1221 (AD 1806-7). Sorry I could not be of more help. Jens |
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#3 |
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Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Warwickshire, England
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Folding knives of a sort, I have had these for a while. I believe they are South Indian Betel Nut knives, probably 18th Century, if not earlier. Pictured next to an Iphone for indication of size.
I have seen South Indian/Sri Lankan betel nut folding knives which I would consider 17th and 18th Century in the past. Some information on those lies in the book 'Ancient Swords Daggers and Knives in Sri Lanakan Museums' by Silva and Wikramsinghe. Regards, Runjeet |
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#4 |
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Thanks a lot.
Any known folding knives before the arrival of europeans? If not acual examples, at least a mention of them. |
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#5 | |
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#6 |
Arms Historian
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Route 66
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Excellent call Chris!!!!
Often the information needed is found in literature outside the expected arms topics, in this case having more to do with the function performed than the implement itself. Spot on sir!!! Excellent and fascinating illustration Jens of that compound knife. All best, Jim |
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#7 |
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Hi All,
If I remember rightly, --The Romans created the first folding knives --The Romans were definitely in contact with India. If these are both correct, I'm not sure whether we'll ever find evidence of indigenous Indian folding knives older than the Roman ones. But wouldn't it be cool if we did. Best, F |
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#8 | |
Arms Historian
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Location: Route 66
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Curious about the discussion on the other forum, any support, evidence or examples? or just another 'heated discussion' void of substance ![]() |
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#9 | |
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Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Germany, Dortmund
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![]() Regards, Detlef |
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