Two Salawar yataghans - khyber knives

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by Manolo

picked it up from one quote or another floating around this forum at some point in the last three years. Some were indeed from Kipling, as Ariel noted, others were from somewhere else. There was specific mention of the khyber knife. And besides, the British were probably the only modern occupant that got to see this big knife in action. Afterwards modern guns took over, no?
I suppose I could track those quotes down...but from that wink of yours I don't think I need to.

Emanuel

I'm not sure of any quotes that stated that the British were afraid of the deadly Khyber knives, but since we have already cited Kipling, I found these.
It would seem that 'fear' might not be the exact word, but for certain, the British were keenly aware of the 'Khyber' in specific, and seem to have carried a certain respect for them and in degree, the warriors.

"...they have taken the oath of the Brother in the blood and fire of the fresh cut sod; on the hilt and the haft of the Khyber knife, and the wondrous names of God."
-"Ballad of East and West", Kipling


"...Yur Khan drew clear the Khyber knife and struck, and sheathed again".
-The Ballad of the Kings Mercy", Kipling

Best regards,
Jim