African knife with copper (?) blade. Info requested!

Montino Bourbon · 13th July 2014, 02:03 AM

Yep, from that swap meet again... a little (11 inches full length, blade 7 1/2 inches) knife, one side with fine serrations, the other side quite sharp. Good forging, with a double medial ridge. Very simple handle, wood. Provenance? Age? Help!

Battara · 13th July 2014, 04:42 AM

All I can tell you is that this is indeed copper, which, if I understand correctly, is used only by nobility in parts of Africa.

shayde78 · 26th September 2017, 08:41 PM

So I was looking through old threads to try to find information on another copper/bronze blade I posted in its own thread. However, the comment here that copper was sometimes used for African blades to denote status and/or rank made me think of another item I have. The leather work seems decidedly African (the last two pics should show the hilt and sheath stitching). The blade is decidedly copper. When I bought it, I took the chance that the color of the blade was a weird photo trick from the flash, knowing that it was probably not steel, though. When I saw it in person, I presumed the copper blade was something unloaded on tourists. However, if there is a chance this could have some greater significance, I'm eager to learn more.

Thanks,
-Rob

Pieje · 28th September 2017, 01:28 PM

Definitely African, probably central Africa.
I own several copper bladed knives and spears. These are not suited to be used as a weapon by the softness of copper, but are indeed symbols of status, used as money etc.

The last knife with scabbard is not very old, and might originate from North Africa.

shayde78 · 1st October 2017, 02:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pieje

The last knife with scabbard is not very old, and might originate from North Africa.

Thanks Pieje!
Regarding the last knife, being of recent manufacture, what is the reason for the copper blade...prestige or a cheap trinket?? Given the cost of copper vs. steel, seems a steal blade would be the more economical choice, no?

13th July 2014, 02:03 AM	#1
Montino Bourbon Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Santa Barbara, California Posts: 301	African knife with copper (?) blade. Info requested! Yep, from that swap meet again... a little (11 inches full length, blade 7 1/2 inches) knife, one side with fine serrations, the other side quite sharp. Good forging, with a double medial ridge. Very simple handle, wood. Provenance? Age? Help! Attached Images

26th September 2017, 08:41 PM	#3
shayde78 Member Join Date: Mar 2017 Posts: 445	thread revival So I was looking through old threads to try to find information on another copper/bronze blade I posted in its own thread. However, the comment here that copper was sometimes used for African blades to denote status and/or rank made me think of another item I have. The leather work seems decidedly African (the last two pics should show the hilt and sheath stitching). The blade is decidedly copper. When I bought it, I took the chance that the color of the blade was a weird photo trick from the flash, knowing that it was probably not steel, though. When I saw it in person, I presumed the copper blade was something unloaded on tourists. However, if there is a chance this could have some greater significance, I'm eager to learn more. Thanks, -Rob Attached Images

28th September 2017, 01:28 PM	#4
Pieje Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Belgium Posts: 132	Definitely African, probably central Africa. I own several copper bladed knives and spears. These are not suited to be used as a weapon by the softness of copper, but are indeed symbols of status, used as money etc. The last knife with scabbard is not very old, and might originate from North Africa. Attached Images

13th July 2014, 04:42 AM	#2
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,229	All I can tell you is that this is indeed copper, which, if I understand correctly, is used only by nobility in parts of Africa.