Khanjar Omani?

rockelk · 31st May 2019, 06:15 PM

a request of a photo of the back and a close up of the back attached as suggested. Thanks, rm

Ibrahiim al Balooshi · 1st June 2019, 07:50 AM

Reference;
A. http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=14878

Hello and thank you for posting your Omani Khanjar. I have a picture of an almost exact same hilt. The Ruler often gives these weapons as gifts underlining the importance of this badge of office and Iconic item in the Omani tradition.
It is quite acceptable to get the weapon as clean as you can...if you wish. It is usually worn on a white dishdash so that if it is covered in silver oxide it would be a bit of a mess, so the locals clean it but don't be alarmed by this...It soon tarnishes and after a few months quickly reverts to its patina... The use of felt on the back is to keep it clean etc.
Deciding what the hilt is can be difficult on a foto...If it is Sandalwood it should have that perfume. Give it a rub to warm it up and smell it... If it doesn't smell of perfumed wood its not sandalwood. (I think it may be by the way)

The best test as has been already described is with a fone or powerful torch which will light up Rhino like luminous spaghetti straws.

Giraffe ( Giraffe horn called confusingly Zraff Hindi is African Giraffe) is another possible but it does not light up like rhino ..in fact it is rather dull. but takes mass silver pins in the same way as does Sandalwood! If you tried to hammer in this many silver pins into a cow horn or ordinary wooden hilt it would split!

My guess without the simple tests is.. it could be Sandalwood or Giraffe..and it could be Rhino!! and to help along the discussion I've been out and found one identical (nearly) below and for further reference you may find an answer in my thread The Omani Khanjar at Forum Library.

The one below is Giraffe.

Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

rockelk · 1st June 2019, 06:06 PM

I can detect no scent of sandalwood nor the presence of hair follicles on the end of the hilt even under magnification. I am inclined to conclude giraffe bone.
I sincerely appreciate all the input that has brought me to this level of understanding which in turn creates a greater appreciation of my acquisitions.
As a side note I once traveled through Al Ain and into Oman so I must have gone through your home town. With Regards, rm

31st May 2019, 06:15 PM	#1
rockelk Member Join Date: May 2019 Location: Arizona Posts: 42	Back of kindjar a request of a photo of the back and a close up of the back attached as suggested. Thanks, rm Attached Images

1st June 2019, 07:50 AM	#2
Ibrahiim al Balooshi Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Buraimi Oman, on the border with the UAE Posts: 4,408	Reference; A. http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=14878 Hello and thank you for posting your Omani Khanjar. I have a picture of an almost exact same hilt. The Ruler often gives these weapons as gifts underlining the importance of this badge of office and Iconic item in the Omani tradition. It is quite acceptable to get the weapon as clean as you can...if you wish. It is usually worn on a white dishdash so that if it is covered in silver oxide it would be a bit of a mess, so the locals clean it but don't be alarmed by this...It soon tarnishes and after a few months quickly reverts to its patina... The use of felt on the back is to keep it clean etc. Deciding what the hilt is can be difficult on a foto...If it is Sandalwood it should have that perfume. Give it a rub to warm it up and smell it... If it doesn't smell of perfumed wood its not sandalwood. (I think it may be by the way) The best test as has been already described is with a fone or powerful torch which will light up Rhino like luminous spaghetti straws. Giraffe ( Giraffe horn called confusingly Zraff Hindi is African Giraffe) is another possible but it does not light up like rhino ..in fact it is rather dull. but takes mass silver pins in the same way as does Sandalwood! If you tried to hammer in this many silver pins into a cow horn or ordinary wooden hilt it would split! My guess without the simple tests is.. it could be Sandalwood or Giraffe..and it could be Rhino!! and to help along the discussion I've been out and found one identical (nearly) below and for further reference you may find an answer in my thread The Omani Khanjar at Forum Library. The one below is Giraffe. Ibrahiim al Balooshi. Attached Images Last edited by Ibrahiim al Balooshi; 1st June 2019 at 08:22 AM.

1st June 2019, 06:06 PM	#3
rockelk Member Join Date: May 2019 Location: Arizona Posts: 42	Giraffe I can detect no scent of sandalwood nor the presence of hair follicles on the end of the hilt even under magnification. I am inclined to conclude giraffe bone. I sincerely appreciate all the input that has brought me to this level of understanding which in turn creates a greater appreciation of my acquisitions. As a side note I once traveled through Al Ain and into Oman so I must have gone through your home town. With Regards, rm