West African dress short sword.

Tim Simmons · 17th May 2006, 06:02 PM

I got this today and thought it interesting enough to show here. As you can see from the detail pictures this was part of someones garb for some time.

The blade seems to have been chiseled out of a sheet of scrap steel sheet of 2mm gauge. There has been some forging and tempering to the latter part of the blade, I do not think this is work hardened from cold working, the hammer marks look to soft . The blade can be quite easily bent at the handle and there is a patch of original paint work, primer and top layer that shows only a partial forging. The work has only been to one side making a form of blunt chisel edge. The base of the scabbard is canvas I cannot tell if it is the same for the handle. If this was given an edge it certainly could function as a weapon. The blade is 41cm long.

It would be nice if tribal names and regions could be assigned with confidence to the many knives from West Africa. Which ones are from nomads? from arid regions? from the forrests? How many people still carry dress weapons?

katana · 18th May 2006, 07:19 PM

Hi Tim,
I only have West Africa as to where my, very similar, knife originates.
The handle design and decoration especially. The pommel was leather covered the same as your's (damage due to use). Sorry I couln't be more help but I thought it worth posting.

17th May 2006, 06:02 PM	#1
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,807	West African dress short sword. I got this today and thought it interesting enough to show here. As you can see from the detail pictures this was part of someones garb for some time. The blade seems to have been chiseled out of a sheet of scrap steel sheet of 2mm gauge. There has been some forging and tempering to the latter part of the blade, I do not think this is work hardened from cold working, the hammer marks look to soft . The blade can be quite easily bent at the handle and there is a patch of original paint work, primer and top layer that shows only a partial forging. The work has only been to one side making a form of blunt chisel edge. The base of the scabbard is canvas I cannot tell if it is the same for the handle. If this was given an edge it certainly could function as a weapon. The blade is 41cm long. It would be nice if tribal names and regions could be assigned with confidence to the many knives from West Africa. Which ones are from nomads? from arid regions? from the forrests? How many people still carry dress weapons? Attached Images

18th May 2006, 07:19 PM	#2
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,653	Hi Tim, I only have West Africa as to where my, very similar, knife originates. The handle design and decoration especially. The pommel was leather covered the same as your's (damage due to use). Sorry I couln't be more help but I thought it worth posting. Attached Images