An Afar gile

Changdao · 18th May 2023, 11:35 AM

I just received my first Afar gile. Some decoration, but not too much, and it is of the kind with conical decoration both on the handle and the scabbard. The blade has a nice presence, but it doesn't feel heavy or unbalanced.

I guess that it's not very old, but as far as I understand this type of knife/sword continues to be used by the Afar.

Also, knowing that they wear them on the right side of the body makes me question how you are supposed to draw it, especially with ones this big.

Any comments are welcome.

Marc M. · 19th May 2023, 10:12 AM

Nice one, seems a good blade. Age is difficult to say.
Have posted mine on the forum a while ago.

Regards
Marc

RobT · 20th May 2023, 04:58 PM

Changdao,

"Also, knowing that they wear them on the right side of the body makes me question how you are supposed to draw it, especially with ones this big."

I have one also, which like yours, has an intact belt and buckle, so I strapped it on. The belt/sheath configuration makes the sheath sit transverse to the body (almost parallel to the ground). In this position, I found that the blade can easily be drawn.

Sincerely,
RobT

18th May 2023, 11:35 AM	#1
Changdao Member Join Date: Jan 2023 Location: Spain Posts: 29	An Afar gile I just received my first Afar gile. Some decoration, but not too much, and it is of the kind with conical decoration both on the handle and the scabbard. The blade has a nice presence, but it doesn't feel heavy or unbalanced. I guess that it's not very old, but as far as I understand this type of knife/sword continues to be used by the Afar. Also, knowing that they wear them on the right side of the body makes me question how you are supposed to draw it, especially with ones this big. Any comments are welcome. Attached Images

20th May 2023, 04:58 PM	#3
RobT Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 486	Carry & Draw Question Changdao, "Also, knowing that they wear them on the right side of the body makes me question how you are supposed to draw it, especially with ones this big." I have one also, which like yours, has an intact belt and buckle, so I strapped it on. The belt/sheath configuration makes the sheath sit transverse to the body (almost parallel to the ground). In this position, I found that the blade can easily be drawn. Sincerely, RobT

19th May 2023, 10:12 AM	#2
Marc M. Member Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: Belgium Posts: 158	Nice one, seems a good blade. Age is difficult to say. Have posted mine on the forum a while ago. Regards Marc