The Omani Khanjar

Kubur · 18th January 2019, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Battara

This thread is now reopened ON THE CONDITION that there are no more inappropriate pictures like this.

MMMmm even a baby elephant's head?

More seriously thank you to reopen this thread, Ibraheem did a amazing job here.

Jim McDougall · 18th January 2019, 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kubur

MMMmm even a baby elephant's head?

More seriously thank you to reopen this thread, Ibraheem did a amazing job here.

Always good to look at the lighter side, sometimes I think we can get things out of perspective, but the important thing is this thread is a valuable resource on the khanjhar, especially those of Oman.
As a virtual 'outsider' in the field of daggers, I know I have learned a great deal from Ibrahiim and the knowledge he has gained in over three decades of study on these in Oman.

The objective as I have understood in the recent posts, despite the photos which were perhaps too graphic to stand as supportive evidence, was to show that giraffe horn is indeed often used in lieu of rhino horn in these hilts. There have apparently been various speculations on the actual material used including various species' hooves etc. but here the proper identification has been revealed purposefully.

I hope we can continue to learn more on these intriguing daggers here, and focus on the varied elements of character in them to help in more accurate identification. As someone very much forensically limited in identifying materials used in hilts as well as metallurgical and design properties, I very much apprieciate this discussion and the input by Ibrahiim as well as those who have contributed.
Thank you all!

Ibrahiim al Balooshi · 19th January 2019, 03:00 PM

Another interesting first for forum.
For some time we have generally accepted that Royal Khanjars have been hilted using only Rhino horn... and after all who would want to strip down these complicated decorated hilts to find out? Certainly it would obviously be a solid foundation in which to seat the various pin and silver nails giving a solid base and in honouring perhaps the great animal itself? BUT it goes without saying that the use of endangered animal horn for any reason is abhorrent and must be stopped.
Now it transpires that the infamous and equally endangered Giraffe horn or zraf hindi has been used to fill this role. It has to be said that this animal has only recently joined the endangered list red zone of animals in danger but endangered it certainly is. Below is such a weapon and has the hilt of an African Giraffe.

Ibrahiim al Balooshi · 21st January 2019, 07:38 AM

Switching Khanjar parts...

One aspect makes it very difficult to guage if a khanjar is original or has new parts added or old parts from another weapon added on ...Silver smiths do this all the time in refurbishing old weapons and because silver wears quite quickly it is hard to make the story out ...Here is one example of this phenomena below ~ both hilts are old rhino and one is particularly translucent .

Those with an eye for detail will note the non Omani belt on the black leathered weapon which probably means it is an Emirati weapon ...almost identical as at one time the UAE was an extension of the Dhakilliyyah or interior of Oman thus the weapons were virtually identical. UAE weapons are discussed on this thread earlier. See #248 here where there is an example of the sometimes used chevron rings at the last picture.

The Translucent hilted, black scabbard weapon, has has a lot of work done on it.
One part replaced is the band around the mid hilt that can be seen to be from a Busaidi or Royal Khanjar when compared with the other below. On further inspection it looks like two new inner large rings an the cuff on the scabbard and dagger are replacements probably also from a Royal Khanjar...I also suspect it has a new blade. this Omani Khanjar has had "the works" done to it. Not a bad refit though..

Ibrahiim al Balooshi · 9th February 2019, 08:37 PM

Despite being reopened this thread has no pictures which appear to have vanished without trace,,, Where have the pictures gone ...more to the point when are they coming back... ?

Robert · 9th February 2019, 10:55 PM

Ibrahiim, As you well know unfortunately a simple and completely unintentional mistake was made in an attempt to remove a photo deemed offensive and inappropriate that has now resulted in the permanent loss of all photos posted to this thread. If you or any other forum member has any of the now missing photos and would like to assist in attempt to restore this thread please email them to me at coleman5@copper.net with the corresponding reply number so they can then be added back in their proper order. Posting a demand for answers to questions you already know the answer to is of little use or help. "IF" you feel the need to respond to my posting I strongly suggest you do so through PM as this thread needs no further distractions.

Robert

Ibrahiim al Balooshi · 10th February 2019, 07:05 PM

Robert, thank you for your kind reply.

As indicated I am geared to continue the thread starting with the refreshed new pictures of the Giraffes head and in setting out a short roadmap to re establish the importance of this 10 page epic with hits around 95,000. This took six years in the making and was a massive data base on a subject that EAA had virtually nothing on previously; thus it is our responsibility to make it happen.

What is envisaged is a photo log of different Omani Khanjars allowing members the chance to fire in any questions as they wish; thus opening up the thread to suggestion and feedback.

shayde78 · 11th February 2019, 12:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robert

Ibrahiim, As you well know unfortunately a simple and completely unintentional mistake was made in an attempt to remove a photo deemed offensive and inappropriate that has now resulted in the permanent loss of all photos posted to this thread. If you or any other forum member has any of the now missing photos and would like to assist in attempt to restore this thread please email them to me at coleman5@copper.net with the corresponding reply number so they can then be added back in their proper order. Posting a demand for answers to questions you already know the answer to is of little use or help. "IF" you feel the need to respond to my posting I strongly suggest you do so through PM as this thread needs no further distractions.

Robert

Something similar occurred with the thread about makers' marks just last year. I offered a suggestion which allowed for the content to be recreated. It may well work to restore this thread. I think fernando did the hard work on that, so it would be worth asking him for advice.

Edit- never mind...it seems the photos are now displaying.

19th January 2019, 03:00 PM	#3
Ibrahiim al Balooshi Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Buraimi Oman, on the border with the UAE Posts: 4,408	Another interesting first for forum. For some time we have generally accepted that Royal Khanjars have been hilted using only Rhino horn... and after all who would want to strip down these complicated decorated hilts to find out? Certainly it would obviously be a solid foundation in which to seat the various pin and silver nails giving a solid base and in honouring perhaps the great animal itself? BUT it goes without saying that the use of endangered animal horn for any reason is abhorrent and must be stopped. Now it transpires that the infamous and equally endangered Giraffe horn or zraf hindi has been used to fill this role. It has to be said that this animal has only recently joined the endangered list red zone of animals in danger but endangered it certainly is. Below is such a weapon and has the hilt of an African Giraffe. Attached Images

21st January 2019, 07:38 AM	#4
Ibrahiim al Balooshi Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Buraimi Oman, on the border with the UAE Posts: 4,408	Switching Khanjar parts... One aspect makes it very difficult to guage if a khanjar is original or has new parts added or old parts from another weapon added on ...Silver smiths do this all the time in refurbishing old weapons and because silver wears quite quickly it is hard to make the story out ...Here is one example of this phenomena below ~ both hilts are old rhino and one is particularly translucent . Those with an eye for detail will note the non Omani belt on the black leathered weapon which probably means it is an Emirati weapon ...almost identical as at one time the UAE was an extension of the Dhakilliyyah or interior of Oman thus the weapons were virtually identical. UAE weapons are discussed on this thread earlier. See #248 here where there is an example of the sometimes used chevron rings at the last picture. The Translucent hilted, black scabbard weapon, has has a lot of work done on it. One part replaced is the band around the mid hilt that can be seen to be from a Busaidi or Royal Khanjar when compared with the other below. On further inspection it looks like two new inner large rings an the cuff on the scabbard and dagger are replacements probably also from a Royal Khanjar...I also suspect it has a new blade. this Omani Khanjar has had "the works" done to it. Not a bad refit though.. Attached Images Last edited by Ibrahiim al Balooshi; 21st January 2019 at 11:02 AM.

9th February 2019, 10:55 PM	#6
Robert EAAF Staff Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Centerville, Kansas Posts: 2,196	Ibrahiim, As you well know unfortunately a simple and completely unintentional mistake was made in an attempt to remove a photo deemed offensive and inappropriate that has now resulted in the permanent loss of all photos posted to this thread. If you or any other forum member has any of the now missing photos and would like to assist in attempt to restore this thread please email them to me at coleman5@copper.net with the corresponding reply number so they can then be added back in their proper order. Posting a demand for answers to questions you already know the answer to is of little use or help. "IF" you feel the need to respond to my posting I strongly suggest you do so through PM as this thread needs no further distractions. Robert Last edited by Robert; 9th February 2019 at 11:12 PM.

9th February 2019, 08:37 PM	#5
Ibrahiim al Balooshi Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Buraimi Oman, on the border with the UAE Posts: 4,408	Despite being reopened this thread has no pictures which appear to have vanished without trace,,, Where have the pictures gone ...more to the point when are they coming back... ?

10th February 2019, 07:05 PM	#7
Ibrahiim al Balooshi Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Buraimi Oman, on the border with the UAE Posts: 4,408	Robert, thank you for your kind reply. As indicated I am geared to continue the thread starting with the refreshed new pictures of the Giraffes head and in setting out a short roadmap to re establish the importance of this 10 page epic with hits around 95,000. This took six years in the making and was a massive data base on a subject that EAA had virtually nothing on previously; thus it is our responsibility to make it happen. What is envisaged is a photo log of different Omani Khanjars allowing members the chance to fire in any questions as they wish; thus opening up the thread to suggestion and feedback.