Srange all metal Indian WW2 knife?

Tim Simmons · 15th October 2005, 07:01 PM

Hello Freddy, the marks do indeed look more North African than anything Indian, I think you are right. Possibly inspired by those military all metal or moulded grip knives in ww2, the maker knew what he was doing as the downward curve in the handle presents the sharp end most effectively.

Your knife really does look like a Massai knife, the blade looks well made even if finished in rather a hurried way. It might not be very pretty but cheap and functional. Some of these things may be older than one thinks. Belgium and the UK chased the Germans all over E Africa in ww1 all the armies especially the Germans were fighting miles from any supply lines and all had there own African auxiliaries. I am beginning to think that the appearance of nuts or screws in some pieces is not always a bad sign, after all industrial screw etc, have been around since the mid 19th century and even some of the most remote people could still be in touch with very extended trade networks. It is a shame these interesting knives have lost there scabbards they could say so much more. Tim

15th October 2005, 07:01 PM	#3
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,854	Hello Freddy, the marks do indeed look more North African than anything Indian, I think you are right. Possibly inspired by those military all metal or moulded grip knives in ww2, the maker knew what he was doing as the downward curve in the handle presents the sharp end most effectively. Your knife really does look like a Massai knife, the blade looks well made even if finished in rather a hurried way. It might not be very pretty but cheap and functional. Some of these things may be older than one thinks. Belgium and the UK chased the Germans all over E Africa in ww1 all the armies especially the Germans were fighting miles from any supply lines and all had there own African auxiliaries. I am beginning to think that the appearance of nuts or screws in some pieces is not always a bad sign, after all industrial screw etc, have been around since the mid 19th century and even some of the most remote people could still be in touch with very extended trade networks. It is a shame these interesting knives have lost there scabbards they could say so much more. Tim