Seeking more about this African copper knife

Uncle Bertie · 23rd October 2017, 01:03 PM

This was also in the small collection of knives and swords I recently got. I love the carvings on it, and I'd love to know which culture is likely to have produced this.

The blade has been cleaned lightly with fine wire wool and white spirit and now looks (to me) really stunning.

I have tried doing some searches online, but I need your expertise really. I thought it might by Kuba or Dan, but it doesn't reflect the shape of the Kuba or Dan knives I've seen online.

I'd also be interested in your thoughts on age as well. Thanks

Pieje · 24th October 2017, 09:46 AM

A very recent Congo knife with some Lega characteristics.

shayde78 · 26th October 2017, 03:39 AM

Hi Bertie,

I wanted to send you a link to another thread that references copper blades on African knives - here

Apparently copper blade have been used as a form of currency and/or as a sign of status and prestige. I've yet to get feedback if copper is also used on knives intended for tourists. However, I suspect copper may have more value than steel in such parts if the world, so I am mightily intrigued by the purpose of your knife and others like it.

Uncle Bertie · 26th October 2017, 08:06 PM

The copper blade was completely black when I got it. I used white spirit and fine wire wool to clean it off somewhat.

It is part of a collection I bought through eBay from the father of a very respected UK based knifemaker. The collection seems to contain a mix of non-functional pieces and some entirely authentic ones, including two Dha made with silver and ivory. So I'm trying to sift through them to distinguish between the "tourist" and fully authentic pieces.

Pieje · 27th October 2017, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle Bertie

...So I'm trying to sift through them to distinguish between the "tourist" and fully authentic pieces.

I can assure you that knives with such handle are definitely tourist pieces.

Uncle Bertie · 27th October 2017, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pieje

I can assure you that knives with such handle are definitely tourist pieces.

Thanks, that's helpful.

mariusgmioc · 27th October 2017, 02:18 PM

Tourist indeed... but nice.

It is more a piece of African art than a "knife" as it cannot cut anything.

I got one too, but with the blade of sheet steel.

23rd October 2017, 01:03 PM	#1
Uncle Bertie Member Join Date: Oct 2017 Posts: 9	Seeking more about this African copper knife This was also in the small collection of knives and swords I recently got. I love the carvings on it, and I'd love to know which culture is likely to have produced this. The blade has been cleaned lightly with fine wire wool and white spirit and now looks (to me) really stunning. I have tried doing some searches online, but I need your expertise really. I thought it might by Kuba or Dan, but it doesn't reflect the shape of the Kuba or Dan knives I've seen online. I'd also be interested in your thoughts on age as well. Thanks Attached Images

27th October 2017, 02:18 PM	#7
mariusgmioc Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Austria Posts: 1,903	Tourist indeed... but nice. It is more a piece of African art than a "knife" as it cannot cut anything. I got one too, but with the blade of sheet steel. Attached Images

24th October 2017, 09:46 AM	#2
Pieje Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Belgium Posts: 132	A very recent Congo knife with some Lega characteristics.

26th October 2017, 03:39 AM	#3
shayde78 Member Join Date: Mar 2017 Posts: 445	Hi Bertie, I wanted to send you a link to another thread that references copper blades on African knives - here Apparently copper blade have been used as a form of currency and/or as a sign of status and prestige. I've yet to get feedback if copper is also used on knives intended for tourists. However, I suspect copper may have more value than steel in such parts if the world, so I am mightily intrigued by the purpose of your knife and others like it.

26th October 2017, 08:06 PM	#4
Uncle Bertie Member Join Date: Oct 2017 Posts: 9	The copper blade was completely black when I got it. I used white spirit and fine wire wool to clean it off somewhat. It is part of a collection I bought through eBay from the father of a very respected UK based knifemaker. The collection seems to contain a mix of non-functional pieces and some entirely authentic ones, including two Dha made with silver and ivory. So I'm trying to sift through them to distinguish between the "tourist" and fully authentic pieces.