Asian knife-need help!

josh stout · 26th January 2015, 03:54 PM

Yes, I agree. While the handle is in a style that would be consistent with the Qianlong period, the blade appears mid to late 19th c.. I have a large knife with a very similar handle that I always thought was 19th c., so it is nice to see another example.

The pole arm shaped blade mounted as one a handed a chopping weapon has a long history but the older examples tend to a different shape and are more finely made. I have seen them referred to as "podao", but there is some confusion with a two handed pole arm called either a "podao" or "pudao" depending who you talk to. Some people think the short form chopping knives were made from cut down pole arms, and there may be some examples out there, but I have only seen purpose made versions. In your case because the tang curves around to fit the handle, there is no doubt.

26th January 2015, 03:54 PM	#6
josh stout Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 407	Yes, I agree. While the handle is in a style that would be consistent with the Qianlong period, the blade appears mid to late 19th c.. I have a large knife with a very similar handle that I always thought was 19th c., so it is nice to see another example. The pole arm shaped blade mounted as one a handed a chopping weapon has a long history but the older examples tend to a different shape and are more finely made. I have seen them referred to as "podao", but there is some confusion with a two handed pole arm called either a "podao" or "pudao" depending who you talk to. Some people think the short form chopping knives were made from cut down pole arms, and there may be some examples out there, but I have only seen purpose made versions. In your case because the tang curves around to fit the handle, there is no doubt.