When I try to follow the link it comes back cannot be found, but from what I've read I'm fairly certain I know the items being discussed here, which immediately made me think of THIS piece and wonder if it's not in the same category?
Overall length 19 1/2" with a 13 1/2" blade that's 15 1/2" if measured along the outside of the razor sharp convex edge.
I picked it up as an inexpensive tourist piece on a whim, and as is so often the case, was quite surprised when it arrived.
For all of it's awkward appearance, it's surprisingly comfortable in the hand with the "guard" hinged so that it adjusts to the grip.
The entire piece is VERY well made, solid and razor sharp with a definite Taureg style, even down to the coloring.
While my initial reacion was that it's gaudy, in fact it's EXACTLY the same colors as a traditional takouba, with the exception that most swords seen are well aged and thus faded.
If this is in fact a Taureg version of a "Nimcha wedding knife" then I'm inclined to think that perhaps both were or are originally ceremonial weapons/knives that are just so exotic in appearance that they've gained wide appeal in the tourist market as well......this goes well with something that Artzi Yarom once told me, that most of the "tourist" pieces are or were real, traditional weapons first and NOT something dreamed up just to part the traveller from his funds.
I hope Artzi will forgive me if the quote isn't exact, but I'm fairly certain it's close in content.
Just as an added thought, while experimenting with different grips I found that if this piece was held with the convex edge facing out and the tip facing the elbow it would be capable of delivering an incredible slice that would have a tremendous disembowelling potential, almost always gauranteed to stop a disagreement, making it far more formidable than it appears at a casual glance.
Mike
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