Unusual Dha - Page 2

wilked aka Khun Deng · 5th December 2007, 03:16 PM

Gavin et al,
These blades are not uncommon, although the point clipped that much is different, however Andrew mentioned the Kachin, the Chin did also clip their blades.
From a dealer who travels to the Burmese border regularly I learned that these were at one time worn by every male member of the hill tribes in northern Thailand and up into Burma and that you could tell which tribe they were from by the design used on them. Another dealer at another location stated the same even purported to be able to ID some of them by design (doubtful but possible) I have no other documentation to back those statements. Generally they have very poor quality blades, yours is much better than the average.

Including a picture of a Chin knife that I picked up from the one dealer as reference. While the scabbard is an open-faced basket type you can see the similarities in handle design and blade profile. Actually as I think about it there is distinct progression from the silver dha hmyuang through the knifes that Chris and Stuart posted and then to the Chin Basket knife. I wonder if it follows territorial boundaries?

Regards,

Dan

kahnjar1 · 6th December 2007, 03:42 AM

Thanks guys----have managed to locate source of Rayskin locally.
Appreciate all the help.

5th December 2007, 03:16 PM	#31
wilked aka Khun Deng Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Oahu, Hawaii Posts: 166	Some thoughts Gavin et al, These blades are not uncommon, although the point clipped that much is different, however Andrew mentioned the Kachin, the Chin did also clip their blades. From a dealer who travels to the Burmese border regularly I learned that these were at one time worn by every male member of the hill tribes in northern Thailand and up into Burma and that you could tell which tribe they were from by the design used on them. Another dealer at another location stated the same even purported to be able to ID some of them by design (doubtful but possible) I have no other documentation to back those statements. Generally they have very poor quality blades, yours is much better than the average. Including a picture of a Chin knife that I picked up from the one dealer as reference. While the scabbard is an open-faced basket type you can see the similarities in handle design and blade profile. Actually as I think about it there is distinct progression from the silver dha hmyuang through the knifes that Chris and Stuart posted and then to the Chin Basket knife. I wonder if it follows territorial boundaries? Regards, Dan Attached Images

6th December 2007, 03:42 AM	#32
kahnjar1 Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: CHRISTCHURCH NEW ZEALAND Posts: 2,741	Problem solved Thanks guys----have managed to locate source of Rayskin locally. Appreciate all the help.