Jambiya question

Sajen · 2nd February 2026, 10:10 PM

Dear members,
I have a simple question for the experts. I've handled a lot of edged weapons, but with very rare exceptions, I've always avoided Yemeni jambiyas, firstly because I'm not familiar with them, and secondly because I've noticed that some have hollow blades, meaning the blade consists of two pressed sheets of iron soldered together. I simply wanted to know if this is common, especially in older pieces. The blades usually have a pronounced central ridge; does this also occur in forged blades?
Some information on the subject is given here: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...hlight=jambiya

Regards,
Detlef

Tim Simmons · 3rd February 2026, 11:49 AM

Glad you brought this up.

I have the same Jambiya somewhat ridiculed in the link. The blade on mine has a slight difference in curve. Nice steel with fine edges, 5mm thick at the forte of a much less prominant midrib. Horn handle. Clearly coming from the same workshop where the decorated metal on the scabbard has been hammered into the same matrix , which I imagine has been carved into a fine hardword like boxwood , used for fine wood engraving. Possibly metal dies too. Has been shown before and said to be Indian made. I could see a slight nod to Kashmir on the handle plates. However being from the same workshop and a distinctive style surely there must be sombody that can give better information. You really could use this blade to hurt people. A question, are all forms of these from "Arabia" to use a catch all phrase known?

Battara · 3rd February 2026, 08:06 PM

I thought that the older blades were solid and later ones were made of 2 sheets of pressed steel..........

Sajen · 3rd February 2026, 11:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Battara

I thought that the older blades were solid and later ones were made of 2 sheets of pressed steel..........

Hi Jose,
Are all new or recent ones of this construction?
Are the shown examples old or new?

Regards,
Detlef

kahnjar1 · Yesterday, 08:15 PM

I can not give much more to this thread, however Steven Gracie in his book JAMBIYA makes a small mention of the "spot welded" blades, without any concise comment as to their wide spread use.
Another consideration here could be that the knife itself is not primarialy intended as a weapon, as most seem to be worn as adornment/status statement, and the blade itself not regarded as the primary function.....just a thought!
Stu.

Sajen · Yesterday, 09:58 PM

Yes, of course! So far I know the jambiya is mainly a status symbol/part of the dress. But as a collector of blades, such a sheet blade is not very satisfying.
At least not for me!

Regards,
Detlef

Pertinax · Yesterday, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sajen

Hi Jose,
Are all new or recent ones of this construction?
Are the shown examples old or new?

Regards,
Detlef

Hi Detlef!

These are Khanjars from Oman, not Yemeni Jambiya, circa the second half of the 20th century. Take a look:

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=22016
khalid.4545@gmail.com
https://encyclocraftsapr.com/khanjar-dagger/

According to my information, blades made from two sheets of pressed steel were made for tourists.

Sincerely,
Yuri

2nd February 2026, 10:10 PM	#1
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 9,558	Jambiya question Dear members, I have a simple question for the experts. I've handled a lot of edged weapons, but with very rare exceptions, I've always avoided Yemeni jambiyas, firstly because I'm not familiar with them, and secondly because I've noticed that some have hollow blades, meaning the blade consists of two pressed sheets of iron soldered together. I simply wanted to know if this is common, especially in older pieces. The blades usually have a pronounced central ridge; does this also occur in forged blades? Some information on the subject is given here: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...hlight=jambiya Regards, Detlef

3rd February 2026, 11:49 AM	#2
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,957	Glad you brought this up. I have the same Jambiya somewhat ridiculed in the link. The blade on mine has a slight difference in curve. Nice steel with fine edges, 5mm thick at the forte of a much less prominant midrib. Horn handle. Clearly coming from the same workshop where the decorated metal on the scabbard has been hammered into the same matrix , which I imagine has been carved into a fine hardword like boxwood , used for fine wood engraving. Possibly metal dies too. Has been shown before and said to be Indian made. I could see a slight nod to Kashmir on the handle plates. However being from the same workshop and a distinctive style surely there must be sombody that can give better information. You really could use this blade to hurt people. A question, are all forms of these from "Arabia" to use a catch all phrase known? Attached Images Last edited by Tim Simmons; 3rd February 2026 at 12:15 PM.

3rd February 2026, 08:06 PM	#3
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,371	I thought that the older blades were solid and later ones were made of 2 sheets of pressed steel..........

Yesterday, 08:15 PM	#5
kahnjar1 Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: CHRISTCHURCH NEW ZEALAND Posts: 2,821	I can not give much more to this thread, however Steven Gracie in his book JAMBIYA makes a small mention of the "spot welded" blades, without any concise comment as to their wide spread use. Another consideration here could be that the knife itself is not primarialy intended as a weapon, as most seem to be worn as adornment/status statement, and the blade itself not regarded as the primary function.....just a thought! Stu.

Yesterday, 09:58 PM	#6
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 9,558	Yes, of course! So far I know the jambiya is mainly a status symbol/part of the dress. But as a collector of blades, such a sheet blade is not very satisfying. At least not for me! Regards, Detlef