The Omani Khanjar

[David]

Originally Posted by Ibrahiim al Balooshi

Now to the pictures~ on which it can be seen the colour range for this horn is from almost black through a nut brown to an almost olive light green... its ability to accept silver nails almost the same as the Rhino hilt makes it the best alternative yet seen and could help save the Rhino from extinction.

Two things wrong with this statement Ibrahiim.
Firstly, the vast majority of rhino horn is poached for the Asia medicine markets. So poaching is still going to take place to feed those markets regardless of any alternatives that are used for hilts in Omani Khanjars.
Secondly, the giraffe is also an endangered species. Killing off giraffes for such frivolous elitist usage is just as bad as killing rhinos, isn't it?
Lastly, the severed giraffe head was both unnecessary and in poor taste.

[Jens Nordlunde]

"Lastly, the severed giraffe head was both unnecessary and in poor taste."


I very much agree with David.

[Battara]

I am closing this thread for now.

[Battara]

This thread is now reopened ON THE CONDITION that there are no more inappropriate pictures like this.

[Kubur]

Originally Posted by Battara

This thread is now reopened ON THE CONDITION that there are no more inappropriate pictures like this.

MMMmm even a baby elephant's head?

More seriously thank you to reopen this thread, Ibraheem did a amazing job here.

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by Kubur

MMMmm even a baby elephant's head?

More seriously thank you to reopen this thread, Ibraheem did a amazing job here.

Always good to look at the lighter side, sometimes I think we can get things out of perspective, but the important thing is this thread is a valuable resource on the khanjhar, especially those of Oman.
As a virtual 'outsider' in the field of daggers, I know I have learned a great deal from Ibrahiim and the knowledge he has gained in over three decades of study on these in Oman.


The objective as I have understood in the recent posts, despite the photos which were perhaps too graphic to stand as supportive evidence, was to show that giraffe horn is indeed often used in lieu of rhino horn in these hilts. There have apparently been various speculations on the actual material used including various species' hooves etc. but here the proper identification has been revealed purposefully.


I hope we can continue to learn more on these intriguing daggers here, and focus on the varied elements of character in them to help in more accurate identification. As someone very much forensically limited in identifying materials used in hilts as well as metallurgical and design properties, I very much apprieciate this discussion and the input by Ibrahiim as well as those who have contributed.
Thank you all!

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Another interesting first for forum.
For some time we have generally accepted that Royal Khanjars have been hilted using only Rhino horn... and after all who would want to strip down these complicated decorated hilts to find out? Certainly it would obviously be a solid foundation in which to seat the various pin and silver nails giving a solid base and in honouring perhaps the great animal itself? BUT it goes without saying that the use of endangered animal horn for any reason is abhorrent and must be stopped.
Now it transpires that the infamous and equally endangered Giraffe horn or zraf hindi has been used to fill this role. It has to be said that this animal has only recently joined the endangered list red zone of animals in danger but endangered it certainly is. Below is such a weapon and has the hilt of an African Giraffe.