Khyber knives

Rick · 29th September 2015, 04:26 PM

Shouldn't we be calling these weapons 'Salawar' ?
Khyber Knife being the Western term .

Jim McDougall · 30th September 2015, 02:09 AM

Ibrahiim, thank you, that information was exactly what I was thinking of!
It is well established that the Persians profoundly influenced these regions just as throughout Central Asia, so interesting to know more on these motifs.

Norman....quintessant example!!!

Rick, well noted, the local term 'siliwah' was colloquially coupled with 'yataghan' (which obviously this has nothing to do with) for the collectors term 'salawar yataghan'.
These terms become confounding in discussion as semantics defy proper terminology once they have dominated published material for ages.

As with 'katar' (correctly jamadhar) it is futile to try to use the right term as it is too confusing.

It seems that the 'paluoar' term for the well known downturned dragon head quillon, cup pommel sword designated Afghan........is actually not locally termed as such.....in fact is actually an Indian form of tulwar.

Auuughh!!!

Banana fana fo fana, ......the naaame game!!!

Goodie · 30th September 2015, 10:41 AM

Miguel - thanks for the "welcome.
Thanks to all for the information and comments.

The "Persian" influence never occurred to me but would make sense. The birds show up a lot in carvings and carpets too.

After reading some of the older posts in the forum, I debated about what to call them and opted for the"generic", assuming that even if not entirely correct, everyone would know what I was referring to when using the term "Khyber Knife".

Best Regards
Goodie

29th September 2015, 04:26 PM	#1
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,339	Shouldn't we be calling these weapons 'Salawar' ? Khyber Knife being the Western term .

30th September 2015, 02:09 AM	#2
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,295	Ibrahiim, thank you, that information was exactly what I was thinking of! It is well established that the Persians profoundly influenced these regions just as throughout Central Asia, so interesting to know more on these motifs. Norman....quintessant example!!! Rick, well noted, the local term 'siliwah' was colloquially coupled with 'yataghan' (which obviously this has nothing to do with) for the collectors term 'salawar yataghan'. These terms become confounding in discussion as semantics defy proper terminology once they have dominated published material for ages. As with 'katar' (correctly jamadhar) it is futile to try to use the right term as it is too confusing. It seems that the 'paluoar' term for the well known downturned dragon head quillon, cup pommel sword designated Afghan........is actually not locally termed as such.....in fact is actually an Indian form of tulwar. Auuughh!!! Banana fana fo fana, ......the naaame game!!!

30th September 2015, 10:41 AM	#3
Goodie Member Join Date: Sep 2015 Posts: 3	Miguel - thanks for the "welcome. Thanks to all for the information and comments. The "Persian" influence never occurred to me but would make sense. The birds show up a lot in carvings and carpets too. After reading some of the older posts in the forum, I debated about what to call them and opted for the"generic", assuming that even if not entirely correct, everyone would know what I was referring to when using the term "Khyber Knife". Best Regards Goodie