Jambiya Blade Construction

[Steve]

Hi stu,
Just a quick reply across the Tasman while the rest of the world sleeps.

As you would appreciate in years past the manufacture of the jambiya had very specific specialisation of labour. Once the blade and hilt were chosen and fitted, the scabbard was made to fit - with or without silver mounts. The scabbard was altered to accommodate the dagger.

Today they are still made separately - the scabbard in house and the mass blades shaped from blanks in the souq. However the dagger blade is shaped by template - lenghth, width, curve etc. as you mentioned -to fit a scabbard type and any final adjustments are made to the dagger blade when fitting. This often involves a flat rib profile which provides a more universal fit. This I have seen. A thickened ridge line is usually found in the more desirable and older Hadrami blades. I also have a few daggers very similar to your one with the grind flattening marks on the ridge still visible.

With regards your last photo posted above. I think the dagger in your first set of photos would be made to fit the usual scabbard design now mostly made. That is "asseb" style,flat, thin, wide, wood liners and covered with green or tan leather. The wood liners in your last photo are made and fitted differently.

All very interesting,
Regards,
Steve