The Syrian Jambiya/Khanjar

Atlantia · 21st June 2011, 07:01 PM

This type of dagger is often referred to as 'Majdali Daggers' as they are most famously made in Majdal Shams (مجدل شمس) in the Golan Heights, although (as Dom says) I believe that there are other centres of production including most famously Damascus but also I believe elsewhere around the modern border of Israel.
Here are my best two. An almost identical pair in near mint condition.
I have never seen others with their original suspension sashes.
I've always thought that these are classic 'Majdali Daggers' (from Majdal Shams) and despite the swollen hilt normally seen on the Damascus ones I'd stick with that origin, Dom?:

Edit: because my writing this crossed over with Dom's post, so I'm integrating my answer for clarity.

Atlantia · 21st June 2011, 07:14 PM

Hi Dom, Thank you for your help

Lovely examples btw.

So, following on from what Dom has already told us. These daggers traditionally have good quality thick blades of flattened diamond section. Double edged and steeply curving towards the tip.

While they at first glance have a garish tourist look, they are in fact serious things and generally more sturdy and rigid than most Arabian daggers.
They would easily punch through heavy clothing, even light armour!
Their construction is very similar to the knives of the Canary Islands, with disks of inlayed bone and horn slid onto a full length tang which are secured with a brass terminal often screwed into place by means of the tang being threaded toward the end.
As they age, the horn tends to loose its grip on the inlays and often small pieces are lost.

As variations, these do sometimes appear with 'other' influences apparent.
Ottoman for example, but I have even seen them with double edged blades that look like a Kindjal.

Dom · 22nd June 2011, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atlantia

I've always thought that these are classic 'Majdali Daggers' (from Majdal Shams) and despite the swollen hilt normally seen on the Damascus ones I'd stick with that origin, Dom?:

Funny, because they are a compromize between "Majdali" (blade) and Damascus (hilt)
they are with their original suspension cord ... and new

apparently, those two daggers have never been worn,
really they are just very beautiful

all the best

à +

Dom

Atlantia · 22nd June 2011, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dom

Funny, because they are a compromize between "Majdali" (blade) and Damascus (hilt)
they are with their original suspension cord ... and new

apparently, those two daggers have never been worn,
really they are just very beautiful

all the best

à +

Dom

Thanks Dom, they are beauties. Old but near perfect.

21st June 2011, 07:01 PM	#1
Atlantia Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: The Sharp end Posts: 2,928	This type of dagger is often referred to as 'Majdali Daggers' as they are most famously made in Majdal Shams (مجدل شمس) in the Golan Heights, although (as Dom says) I believe that there are other centres of production including most famously Damascus but also I believe elsewhere around the modern border of Israel. Here are my best two. An almost identical pair in near mint condition. I have never seen others with their original suspension sashes. I've always thought that these are classic 'Majdali Daggers' (from Majdal Shams) and despite the swollen hilt normally seen on the Damascus ones I'd stick with that origin, Dom?: Edit: because my writing this crossed over with Dom's post, so I'm integrating my answer for clarity. Attached Images Last edited by Atlantia; 21st June 2011 at 09:29 PM.

21st June 2011, 07:14 PM	#2
Atlantia Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: The Sharp end Posts: 2,928	Hi Dom, Thank you for your help Lovely examples btw. So, following on from what Dom has already told us. These daggers traditionally have good quality thick blades of flattened diamond section. Double edged and steeply curving towards the tip. While they at first glance have a garish tourist look, they are in fact serious things and generally more sturdy and rigid than most Arabian daggers. They would easily punch through heavy clothing, even light armour! Their construction is very similar to the knives of the Canary Islands, with disks of inlayed bone and horn slid onto a full length tang which are secured with a brass terminal often screwed into place by means of the tang being threaded toward the end. As they age, the horn tends to loose its grip on the inlays and often small pieces are lost. As variations, these do sometimes appear with 'other' influences apparent. Ottoman for example, but I have even seen them with double edged blades that look like a Kindjal.