Benin Knife

Tim Simmons · 10th January 2009, 09:44 PM

Rod, it is an attractive souvenir and a nice reminder of your trip. The sellers have the wrong idea as to its origin which is telling. In my opinion it is not rare or old. Is it real cultural piece? well I suppose it could be. All I can say is that the figures on the handle do not appeal to me one bit, same with the blade. I do not like the patina either.

Looking again I am sure the top part of the handle, the figures, are from a mould so to make lots of them. Look and you can see the flashing round the edges and the supposed hand coiled wax is all smudged and very poor so I will say buy something else. There must be real crafts people around perhaps a nice piece of pottery?

Rod Charters · 12th January 2009, 07:37 AM

Thanks Tim appreciate the detailed feedback. Actually I live on and off in Kenya so not really interested in other souvenirs. The dealer is well known to me, is acting as a middle man for someone else who bought the item some 20 years ago, and also had no real idea of the authenticity nor origins of the item. Whilst I am an avid collector of knives and building a sizable collection I am no expert and rely heavily on advice so have very much appreciated the feedback. Regards Rod.

10th January 2009, 09:44 PM	#1
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,876	Rod, it is an attractive souvenir and a nice reminder of your trip. The sellers have the wrong idea as to its origin which is telling. In my opinion it is not rare or old. Is it real cultural piece? well I suppose it could be. All I can say is that the figures on the handle do not appeal to me one bit, same with the blade. I do not like the patina either. Looking again I am sure the top part of the handle, the figures, are from a mould so to make lots of them. Look and you can see the flashing round the edges and the supposed hand coiled wax is all smudged and very poor so I will say buy something else. There must be real crafts people around perhaps a nice piece of pottery?

12th January 2009, 07:37 AM	#2
Rod Charters Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 48	Thanks Tim appreciate the detailed feedback. Actually I live on and off in Kenya so not really interested in other souvenirs. The dealer is well known to me, is acting as a middle man for someone else who bought the item some 20 years ago, and also had no real idea of the authenticity nor origins of the item. Whilst I am an avid collector of knives and building a sizable collection I am no expert and rely heavily on advice so have very much appreciated the feedback. Regards Rod.