Two north african knives

[Emanuel]

Here are two Corsican and Genovese knives. These particular ones are modern. The books "Petite Histoire du Stylet Corse" and "Il Coltello Genovese" show 18th-19th century examples that seem to be the inspiration for the Bou-Saadi knives, down to the wire-wrapped faceted handle.

The tip on your example might have been worn down over time. There have been discussions on this forum of these knives with very oddly bent tips. I can imagine them used many times to open jars, paint buckets and such.

The Corsican/Genovese knives did not generally have holes in the handles, but I have seen that did, with a lanyard passed through. This would be tied around the fist. I don't know if this usage was kept in Bou-Saada.