A Dawshan Jambiya

harrywagner · 9th January 2016, 03:53 PM

Here is one I present for the simple joy of seeing an unusual and beautiful knife. This is a Dawshan Jambiya. It is worn by the Dawshan class in Yemen. They are "sort of" the western equivalent of the town crier. I believe it is from the Taiz area and dates to the early-mid 20th. There is a knife almost exactly like this one In Mr. Gracie's book (pg 126) and another, although much fancier, on the cover. This is one I don't see everyday. I was torn between buying this knife and a gorgeous Omani 7 ringer, but could only afford one. I chose this one and I am thrilled with my choice.

BTW - I bought this from the good folks at oriental-arms, who I am happy to recommend. They do not disappoint.

ariel · 9th January 2016, 04:20 PM

That's what I call a real stuff!

ALEX · 9th January 2016, 04:34 PM

Harry, I agree - no surprises from Oriental-Arms, they're among few who do not disappoint.
Does this Jambiya called Gusbi?

A.alnakkas · 9th January 2016, 05:00 PM

A very good example!

Quote:

Originally Posted by ALEX

Harry, I agree - no surprises from Oriental-Arms, they're among few who do not disappoint.
Does this Jambiya called Gusbi?

Gusbi is a term for blades. Steve Gracie's book talks about this type and others. Its a must have.

harrywagner · 9th January 2016, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ALEX

Harry, I agree - no surprises from Oriental-Arms, they're among few who do not disappoint.
Does this Jambiya called Gusbi?

Hi Alex,
It's slightly confusing since there is a style of Jambiya commonly called a Gusbi and "Gusbi" also refers to a blade with a thickened mid-section and central ridge. I don't think it would be completely accurate to call this style Gusbi, but I would the blade.

kahnjar1 · 9th January 2016, 08:54 PM

Very nice piece Harry. The OA description said quality silver dress but this looks quite dull. Is it just dirty/tarnished?
Stu

harrywagner · 9th January 2016, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kahnjar1

Very nice piece Harry. The OA description said quality silver dress but this looks quite dull. Is it just dirty/tarnished?
Stu

I think it will cleanup really nice. The silver appears to be good quality. The silver work is certainly impressive. It makes me wonder how many person hours went into making one like this.

Helleri · 9th January 2016, 11:25 PM

Ash and a soft bristle brush makes silver shine.

Kubur · 9th January 2016, 11:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by harrywagner

Hi Alex,
It's slightly confusing since there is a style of Jambiya commonly called a Gusbi and "Gusbi" also refers to a blade with a thickened mid-section and central ridge. I don't think it would be completely accurate to call this style Gusbi, but I would the blade.

Hi,
Here a gusbi
http://vikingsword.com/vb/showthread...ighlight=gusbi
It's not a blade, its a style of jambiya for the beduins around Aden and in the Hadramaut.
And to my opinion, yours is from the same family and the same area...not a gusbi but very close...
Best,
Kubur

A.alnakkas · 10th January 2016, 12:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kubur

Hi,
Here a gusbi
http://vikingsword.com/vb/showthread...ighlight=gusbi
It's not a blade, its a style of jambiya for the beduins around Aden and in the Hadramaut.
And to my opinion, yours is from the same family and the same area...not a gusbi but very close...
Best,
Kubur

This is actually not true. The correct term Gusbi (pronounced Gasabi) refers to a blade type. And yes the style you linked is used by bedouins but its not called gusbi.

kahnjar1 · 10th January 2016, 05:52 AM

I agree with Lofty here. The term "Gusbi" has been used by collectors to describe these jambiya with upturned chapes, in much the same way as "wahabite" is used to describe the sabiki types of western Arabia. The term "Gusbi" relates to the blade, not the scabbard style.
Stu

Kubur · 10th January 2016, 06:59 PM

Hi Both,

I see what you mean, you took it from Gracie's book. You are not wrong.
But collectors and specialists such as Elgood use the word Gusbi for this kind of daggers and I''ll do the same.

Best,
Kubur

9th January 2016, 03:53 PM	#1
harrywagner Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Posts: 373	A Dawshan Jambiya Here is one I present for the simple joy of seeing an unusual and beautiful knife. This is a Dawshan Jambiya. It is worn by the Dawshan class in Yemen. They are "sort of" the western equivalent of the town crier. I believe it is from the Taiz area and dates to the early-mid 20th. There is a knife almost exactly like this one In Mr. Gracie's book (pg 126) and another, although much fancier, on the cover. This is one I don't see everyday. I was torn between buying this knife and a gorgeous Omani 7 ringer, but could only afford one. I chose this one and I am thrilled with my choice. BTW - I bought this from the good folks at oriental-arms, who I am happy to recommend. They do not disappoint. Attached Images

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9th January 2016, 04:20 PM	#2
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	That's what I call a real stuff!

9th January 2016, 04:34 PM	#3
ALEX Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 936	Harry, I agree - no surprises from Oriental-Arms, they're among few who do not disappoint. Does this Jambiya called Gusbi?

9th January 2016, 08:54 PM	#6
kahnjar1 Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: CHRISTCHURCH NEW ZEALAND Posts: 2,739	Very nice piece Harry. The OA description said quality silver dress but this looks quite dull. Is it just dirty/tarnished? Stu

9th January 2016, 11:25 PM	#8
Helleri Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Chino, CA. Posts: 219	Ash and a soft bristle brush makes silver shine.

10th January 2016, 05:52 AM	#11
kahnjar1 Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: CHRISTCHURCH NEW ZEALAND Posts: 2,739	I agree with Lofty here. The term "Gusbi" has been used by collectors to describe these jambiya with upturned chapes, in much the same way as "wahabite" is used to describe the sabiki types of western Arabia. The term "Gusbi" relates to the blade, not the scabbard style. Stu

10th January 2016, 06:59 PM	#12
Kubur Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 2,145	Hi Both, I see what you mean, you took it from Gracie's book. You are not wrong. But collectors and specialists such as Elgood use the word Gusbi for this kind of daggers and I''ll do the same. Best, Kubur