Jambiyas (and khanjars) the Fading Costume and Us the Collectors

A.alnakkas · 26th December 2012, 10:20 PM

Hello guys,

So, I always had a passion for Arabian jambiyas and khanjars. The more I collect them, the more they matter to me more then swords. I love the heritage behind them and those little unique features done on them by their past owners who at one day wore them with pride.

But readig through articles, it shows that the art and costume is declining (atleast in Yemen) this is very sad news but inevitable. The value of the jambiya as you all may know is tied to the hilt, most especially rhino and with the laws now protecting rhino, the art became a turn off for the younger generation who cannot afford the rhino hilted ones. I believe the decline will continue until it will become a dead costume in Yemen. I hope they change their mind and find a lovable alternative to rhino but I dont have high hopes.

But in case the costume truly fades, we the collector community will become the protectors of this heritage. So I hope that all those who share my passion for those daggers safe guard their pieces and do their best not to give them up (unless for me

) and share them if possible so that it may not be forgotten.

26th December 2012, 10:20 PM	#1
A.alnakkas Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Kuwait Posts: 1,340	Jambiyas (and khanjars) the Fading Costume and Us the Collectors Hello guys, So, I always had a passion for Arabian jambiyas and khanjars. The more I collect them, the more they matter to me more then swords. I love the heritage behind them and those little unique features done on them by their past owners who at one day wore them with pride. But readig through articles, it shows that the art and costume is declining (atleast in Yemen) this is very sad news but inevitable. The value of the jambiya as you all may know is tied to the hilt, most especially rhino and with the laws now protecting rhino, the art became a turn off for the younger generation who cannot afford the rhino hilted ones. I believe the decline will continue until it will become a dead costume in Yemen. I hope they change their mind and find a lovable alternative to rhino but I dont have high hopes. But in case the costume truly fades, we the collector community will become the protectors of this heritage. So I hope that all those who share my passion for those daggers safe guard their pieces and do their best not to give them up (unless for me ) and share them if possible so that it may not be forgotten.