Is this considered an edged weapon?

asomotif · 4th July 2007, 04:39 PM

it looks very well made and elaborate for an agricultural tool.

maybe ritual banana harvesting

G. McCormack · 4th July 2007, 07:09 PM

Never underestimate a banana.

That said, looks like a nice well made piece. Good find, and Welcome

Rod Charters · 4th July 2007, 08:58 PM

Some slightly better pictures of the blade.

katana · 5th July 2007, 01:42 PM

I would think an agricultural tool would be made as light as possible...but robust enough to suit its use. Constantly cutting vegetation would be very tiring with a heavy weight blade. Unless this was designed to cut the main trunk of a banana bush (not trees as some people think....in fact banana's are classified as a berry) then my vote is, its a weapon. Bearing in mind the medial ridge would not allow clean deep cuts into 'woody' branches .....human flesh, however, is another story.
Another clue could be the design of the scabbard, it seems to be designed for 'rapid' removal , not necessary for agricultural use.....unless your bananas are particularly aggressive

Regards David

Rod Charters · 5th July 2007, 04:58 PM

Thanks for all the good feedback. I think the consensus is that it is an edged weapon and bananas (berries) whilst not to be underestimated have not in the past been the main recipient of this blade. Rod.

Rick · 5th July 2007, 05:19 PM

When I look at that blade I envision large gaping wounds; looks like a very effective short sword.

Speaking of which; can we get some measurements of this piece?

Rod Charters · 5th July 2007, 05:35 PM

Unfortunately I'm not in a position to give an exact length but at a guess the entire knife is between 45-55 cm. Next time I'm in Nairobi I'll get some exact specs of length, blade thickness, etc. and some better pics.

4th July 2007, 08:58 PM	#3
Rod Charters Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 48	Is this an edged weapon? Some slightly better pictures of the blade. Attached Images

4th July 2007, 04:39 PM	#1
asomotif Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 2,235	it looks very well made and elaborate for an agricultural tool. maybe ritual banana harvesting

4th July 2007, 07:09 PM	#2
G. McCormack Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Tallahassee, FL Posts: 131	Never underestimate a banana. That said, looks like a nice well made piece. Good find, and Welcome

5th July 2007, 01:42 PM	#4
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,658	I would think an agricultural tool would be made as light as possible...but robust enough to suit its use. Constantly cutting vegetation would be very tiring with a heavy weight blade. Unless this was designed to cut the main trunk of a banana bush (not trees as some people think....in fact banana's are classified as a berry) then my vote is, its a weapon. Bearing in mind the medial ridge would not allow clean deep cuts into 'woody' branches .....human flesh, however, is another story. Another clue could be the design of the scabbard, it seems to be designed for 'rapid' removal , not necessary for agricultural use.....unless your bananas are particularly aggressive Regards David

5th July 2007, 04:58 PM	#5
Rod Charters Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 48	Thanks for all the good feedback. I think the consensus is that it is an edged weapon and bananas (berries) whilst not to be underestimated have not in the past been the main recipient of this blade. Rod.

5th July 2007, 05:19 PM	#6
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,347	When I look at that blade I envision large gaping wounds; looks like a very effective short sword. Speaking of which; can we get some measurements of this piece?

5th July 2007, 05:35 PM	#7
Rod Charters Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 48	Unfortunately I'm not in a position to give an exact length but at a guess the entire knife is between 45-55 cm. Next time I'm in Nairobi I'll get some exact specs of length, blade thickness, etc. and some better pics.