Indo-Persian knife for comment

Jim McDougall · 5th December 2004, 10:58 PM

Nice acquisition Guy!
I completely agree with Central Asian attribution, and Ariels notes. This is likely Uzbek from regions closer to now Afghanistan. The most applicable term would probably be 'bytshak' which is spelled various ways. See article "Some Nineteenth Century Arms from Bukhara" by Torben Flindt (in "Islamic Arms & Armour" ed. Robert Elgood, pp.20-29). Rick's note pointing out the pesh kabz in Buttin brings attention to the interesting recurve on the blade which seems atypical in the bytshak. This same recurve is also found on N. Indian khanjars. The interesting chiseling and choil type work on the back of the blade at the terminus of the back edge is also Central Asian characteristic.
The cleft pommel is well known on many Central Asian edged weapons and is seen on examples of Uzbek and Afghan shashkas.
Best regards,
Jim

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5th December 2004, 10:58 PM	#11
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,459	Nice acquisition Guy! I completely agree with Central Asian attribution, and Ariels notes. This is likely Uzbek from regions closer to now Afghanistan. The most applicable term would probably be 'bytshak' which is spelled various ways. See article "Some Nineteenth Century Arms from Bukhara" by Torben Flindt (in "Islamic Arms & Armour" ed. Robert Elgood, pp.20-29). Rick's note pointing out the pesh kabz in Buttin brings attention to the interesting recurve on the blade which seems atypical in the bytshak. This same recurve is also found on N. Indian khanjars. The interesting chiseling and choil type work on the back of the blade at the terminus of the back edge is also Central Asian characteristic. The cleft pommel is well known on many Central Asian edged weapons and is seen on examples of Uzbek and Afghan shashkas. Best regards, Jim